Congregation Kenesseth Israel (Boston, Mass.) Records

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: I-266

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The records of Congregation Kenesseth Israel (Boston, Mass.) contain a record book of meetings (1908-1913), membership lists, addresses, and yahrzeits; correspondence; notes; and photographs and newspaper clippings marking the closure of the synagogue in 1965. There are also some Jewish artifacts, including: one ornamental Torah breast plate; one inscribed European spice box; three Torah pointers (two wood, one of which is inscribed; one silver which is inscribed); the upper portion of two wooden ornamental Torah handles; and one chuppah.

Dates

undated, 1908-1965

Creator

Congregation Kenesseth Israel (Boston, Mass.) (Organization)

Language of Materials

This collection is in English and Yiddish, with a small amount of Hebrew.

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for researcher use.

Please contact us to request access or to make an appointment to view this collection at jhcreference@jewishheritagecenter.org.

Conditions Governing Use

There may be some restrictions on the use of this collection. For more information contact jhcreference@jewishheritagecenter.org.

Historical Note

Congregation Kenesseth Israel, also known as the Emerald Street Shul, was founded in 1891 by immigrants, many of whom were from Vilna, and was located at 15-17 Emerald Street in Boston's South End. The synagogue closed in 1965, in part due to Boston's urban renewal project and changing neighborhood demographics.

Extent

0.5 linear feet (Four folders in a shared manuscript box)

Additional Description

Abstract

Collection contains a record book of meetings (1908-1913), membership lists, addresses, and yahrzeits; correspondence; notes; and photographs and newspaper clippings marking the closure of the synagogue (1965). Collection also contains artifacts, including: one ornamental Torah breast plate; one inscribed European spice box; three Torah pointers (two wood, one of which is inscribed; one silver which is inscribed); the upper portion of two wooden ornamental Torah handles; and one chuppah.