Mobile in Mobile County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Shaarai Shomayim
First Jewish House of Worship in Alabama - 1846
Photographed by Jerry Klinger
1. Shaarai Shomayim Marker
Jews have been part of Alabamas economic, social and political life since 1764. It was not until 1841 that Mobiles small Jewish community grew large enough to organize “Congregation” Shaarai Shomayim (Gates of Heaven). The community dedicated a small building on St. Emanuel St., between Church and Government Sts., December 27, 1846, as the first Jewish house of worship in Alabama. Shaarai Shomayim moved to a larger location on Jackson St., between St. Louis and St. Michael Sts., in 1853. The structure burned in 1856 but was quickly rebuilt through the combined ecumenical efforts of Christians and Jews in 1858.
Shaarai Shomayim, affirmed in Alabama, the American principles of freedom of religion, assembly and the commonality of communities of faith.
Erected 2006 by Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation, Historic Mobile Preservation Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation., and the Synagogues series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1886.
Location. 30° 41.289′ N, 88° 2.959′ W. Marker is in Mobile, Alabama, in Mobile County. It is on
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Alabama’s Gulf Coast and in Mobile Bay. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, and on the Gulf Coast. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Crewe of Columbus Birthplace (within shouting distance of this marker); The Kennedy-Cox House / Joshua Kennedy Jr. (within shouting distance of this marker); Dr. H. Roger Williams (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Barton Academy (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Barton Academy (about 600 feet away); Andrew N. Johnson (about 700 feet away); Old Church Street Cemetery - 1819 (about 700 feet away); Creole Firehouse #1 (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mobile.
Also see . . .
1. The Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation. Society website homepage:
The Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation is a non-profit, volunteer organization. The purpose of the Society is to identify and recognize sites of American Jewish Historical interest. The Society sponsors and promotes programs of local and national historic interest. Cooperating with local Historical Societies, Communities, Churches and Synagogues, the Society encourages dialogue and interactive recognition of the commonality of the American Experience. (Submitted on February 1, 2010, by Jerry Klinger of Derwood, Maryland.)
Photographed by Jerry Klinger, circa 2006
2. Shaarai Shomayim Marker
2. Mobile's Jewish community. Encyclopedia of Alabama entry. (Submitted on January 4, 2013, by Laura Hill of Auburn, Alabama.)
Additional keywords. Jewish American, Mobile, Alabama, JASHP, Historic Mobile Preservation Society, Synagogue
circa 1853
3. Congregation Shaarai Shomayim
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, July 9, 2025
4. Shaarai Shomayim Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on July 31, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 1, 2010, by Jerry Klinger of Derwood, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,879 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 1, 2010, by Jerry Klinger of Derwood, Maryland. 4. submitted on July 30, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
