Rio Grande in Salt Lake City in Salt Lake County, Utah — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Congregation B'Nai Israel

Site of the First Permanent Jewish House of Worship in Utah

Photographed By Jerry Klinger, November 2009

1. Congregation B'Nai Israel Marker

First Permanent Jewish House of Worship in Utah

Inscription. Jews have been part of Utah’s religious, economic, social, and political life since the mid-19th century. Congregation B’Nai Israel was organized in 1874. The first service was held in March, 1883. B’Nai Israel merged with Congregation Montefiore in 1972 establishing Congregation Kol Ami.

Congregation B’Nai Israel in Utah affirmed the American principles of Freedom of Religion and Assembly Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation, Utah State History, Congregation Kol Ami

Erected 2009 by Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. In addition, it is included in the Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation. series list. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1883.

Location. 40° 45.781′ N, 111° 53.673′ W. Marker is in Salt Lake City, Utah, in Salt Lake County. It is in Rio Grande. Marker is on West Broadway just west of West Temple, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 110 W Broadway, Salt Lake City UT 84101, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Peery Hotel (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Peery Hotel (a few steps from this marker); Salt Lake City High School

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(about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Utah's First Pioneer Burial Site (about 700 feet away); New York Hotel (about 700 feet away); Bertolini Block (about 700 feet away); a different marker also named Bertolini Block (about 700 feet away); Patrick Dry Goods Company Building (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Salt Lake City.

More about this marker. The marker is located at the historic Peery Hotel. The Peery was built in 1910 on the site of the earlier Congregation B'Nai Israel. The Congregation had relocated to 249 South 400 East Streets in Salt Lake City in 1889. The new house of worship was a scaled reproduction of the "Great Synagogue" in Berlin, Germany.

Regarding Congregation B'Nai Israel. Jews are reputed to have been amongst the "Mountain Men" accompanying famed explorer Jim Bridger in the early 19th century. Julius and Fanny Brooks were the first documentable Jewish Americans, 1855, who made Utah their home. A chance meeting with a U.S. Army Captain in Galena, Ohio recommended they move west for opportunities. The Captain

Photographed By Jerry Klinger, November 5, 2009

2. Congregation B'Nai Israel Marker

Peery Hotel

was Ulysses S. Grant, later president of the United States. It was not until 1874 that the Jewish community in Salt Lake City grew large enough to establish a regular, sustainable Jewish religious community.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Congregation B’Nai Israel in Utah markers.

Also see . . .
1. . 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 January 26, 2010, by Jerry Klinger of Boynton Beach, Florida.)

2. The Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation. (Submitted on February 1, 2010, by Jerry Klinger of Derwood, Maryland.)
3. Jews and Latter Day Saints. (Submitted on February 2, 2010, by Jerry Klinger of Derwood, Maryland.)

Additional keywords. JASHP Jewish American History

Photographed By Bryan R. Bauer, August 27, 2010

3. Congregation B'Nai Israel Marker and the Peery Hotel Marker

The Peery Hotel and Congregation B'Nai Israel Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bryan R. Bauer, August 27, 2010

4. The Peery Hotel and Congregation B'Nai Israel Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 26, 2010, by Jerry Klinger of Boynton Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 1,277 times since then and 24 times this year. Last updated on September 16, 2010, by Bryan R. Bauer of Kearns, Ut 84118. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 26, 2010, by Jerry Klinger of Boynton Beach, Florida. 3. submitted on August 28, 2010, by Bryan R. Bauer of Kearns, Ut 84118. 4. submitted on September 1, 2010, by Bryan R. Bauer of Kearns, Ut 84118. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.