Trinidad in Las Animas County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Temple Aaron 1889
Photographed By Jerry Klinger, June 2019
1. Temple Aaron 1889 Marker
Inscription.
Temple Aaron 1889. . Jews have been part of Trinidad's social, economic and political life since first arriving as traders along the Sante Fe Trail. Maurice and Isaac Wise opened a store on Main Street in 1867. The Jaffa Brothers' Trading Company was established in 1872. Sam Jaffa was elected as Trinidad's first mayor in 1876. The Jaffa brothers, Sam, Henry and Sol, built Trinidad's Jaffa Opera House in 1882. In 1883 Trinidad's Jewish community formally organized Southern Colorado's first Jewish congregation, which also drew members from Northern New Mexico. Fundraising began with ecumenical support from the non-Jewish community. Temple Aaron, designed by famed architect Isaac Hamilton Rapp in the popular hybrid Exotic Revival-Moorish style, was dedicated in 1889. The Congregation's spiritual leader was Rabbi Leopold Freudenthal. It was affiliated with the Reform Movement and sponsored an early B'Nai Brith chapter. For 130 years and counting, Temple Aaron has visibly affirmed the American principles of Freedom of Assembly and Freedom of Religion.
Jews have been part of Trinidad's social, economic and political life since first arriving as traders along the Sante Fe Trail. Maurice and Isaac Wise opened a store on Main Street in 1867. The Jaffa Brothers' Trading Company was established in 1872. Sam Jaffa was elected as Trinidad's first mayor in 1876. The Jaffa brothers, Sam, Henry and Sol, built Trinidad's Jaffa Opera House in 1882. In 1883 Trinidad's Jewish community formally organized Southern Colorado's first Jewish congregation, which also drew members from Northern New Mexico. Fundraising began with ecumenical support from the non-Jewish community. Temple Aaron, designed by famed architect Isaac Hamilton Rapp in the popular hybrid Exotic Revival-Moorish style, was dedicated in 1889. The Congregation's spiritual leader was Rabbi Leopold Freudenthal. It was affiliated with the Reform Movement and sponsored an early B'Nai Brith chapter. For 130 years and counting, Temple Aaron has visibly affirmed the American principles of Freedom of Assembly and Freedom of Religion.
Erected 2019 by Colorado Preservation, Inc., City of Trinidad, Temple Aaron Community, Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion.
Location. 37° 9.986′ N, 104° 30.165′ W. Marker is in Trinidad, Colorado, in Las Animas County. Marker is at the intersection of South Maple Street and East 3rd Street, on the left when traveling north on South Maple Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 407 South Maple Street, Trinidad CO 81082, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regarding Temple Aaron 1889. The marker was dedicated on June 22, 2019.
Temple Aaron, though not open on a regular basis for religious services, is the oldest functioning Jewish house of worship West of the Mississippi River.
National Landmark status is being sought for the Temple.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 24, 2019. It was originally submitted on June 23, 2019, by Jerry Klinger of Boynton Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 319 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on June 23, 2019, by Jerry Klinger of Boynton Beach, Florida. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Clear full frontal photo of marker. • Can you help?
