Olde Towne in Portsmouth, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Chevra T'helim Synagogue

Photographed by James Thomson, October 11, 2010

1. Chevra T'helim Synagogue Marker

Inscription. Chevra T'helim, (translation: House of Psalms), housed an Orthodox Jewish Congregation, established in 1917. It served the religious needs of a congregation largely composed of merchants who emigrated from Eastern Europe th the port city of Portsmouth. Like many religious institutions, the synagogue lost its congregants to the suburbs in the late 20th Century. This classical revival synagogue has been refurbished by the Friends of Chevra T'helim as a center for Jews and non-Jews alike to learn about an important aspect of American Jewish history.
Chevra T'helim Synagogue is a rare surviving example of Eastern European Judaism standing on Effingham Street. It represents a large immigration of people seeking relief from religious persecution who made great contributions to the economic and cultural life of the United States.

Erected by Path of History, Portsmouth VA.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Synagogues series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1917.

Location. 36° 50.05′ N, 76° 18.383′ W. Marker is in Portsmouth, Virginia. It is in Olde Towne. It is on Effingham Street (Virginia Route 141), on the right when traveling

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north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 607 Effingham Street, Portsmouth VA 23704, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Hampton Roads,

specifically in Coastal Virginia,

and in the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Tidewater.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

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: The Battle of Craney Island (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Arnold's British Defenses, 1781 (about 800 feet away); George Teamoh (approx. 0.2 miles away); Rev. Francis Devlin (approx. 0.2 miles away); Priests Who Died In Their Service Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); St. Paul's Catholic Church Burial Ground (approx. 0.2 miles away); St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Saint Paul's School (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Portsmouth.

Regarding Chevra T'helim Synagogue. Restored, currently occupied by the Jewish Museum and Cultural Center

Also see . . . Jewish Museum & Cultural Center. (Submitted on October 12, 2010, by James Thomson of Chesapeake, United States.)

Additional commentary.
1. Chevra T’helim Temple
The original marker has been replaced with one titled Chevra T’helim Temple.
All other parts of the marker remain the same.

—
Photographed by Brandon D Cross, August 12, 2022

2. Chevra T'helim Temple Marker
Submitted August 12, 2022, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.

Chevra T'helim from across Effingham St. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Thomson, October 11, 2010

3. Chevra T'helim from across Effingham St.

Chevra T'helim Temple image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, August 12, 2022

4. Chevra T'helim Temple

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 12, 2010, by James Thomson of Chesapeake, United States. This page has been viewed 1,048 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 12, 2010, by James Thomson of Chesapeake, United States. 2. submitted on August 12, 2022, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. 3. submitted on October 12, 2010, by James Thomson of Chesapeake, United States. 4. submitted on August 12, 2022, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.