Adath Jeshurun Synagogue

Read about the history and designation of the Adath Jeshurun Synagogue historic landmark.

Overview

Adath Jeshurun is the first Orthodox synagogue in Minneapolis.

  • Location: 3400 Dupont Avenue South
  • Neighborhood: South Uptown

Guidelines

See design guidelines

 

1930 2006
Adath Jeshurun Synagogue in 1930
Adath Jeshurun Synagogue in 2006

Architecture

  • Architectural Style: Classical Revival
  • Architect: Liebenberg and Kaplan

Use

  • Historic use: Religious
  • Current use: Religious

Construction

  • Construction date: 1927
  • Current use: Balkin Construction Co.

Significance

  • Area(s) of Significance: Social History, Ethnic Heritage, Religion
  • Period of significance: 1927-1997
  • Date of local designation: 1998
  • Designation: Exterior
  • Date of National Register designation: Not applicable

Historic profile

Adath Jeshurun was the first Orthodox synagogue in Minneapolis. Several merchants of Eastern European descent founded it in 1884. The congregation moved a few times before they built this synagogue in 1926.

Architects Liebenberg and Kaplan designed the building in a Neoclassical Revival style. The walls are cream brick and Bedford stone. Its smooth look was very modern at the time. The entryway has four Corinthian columns with the message above: "Hear O Israel: The Lord Our Savior is One."

The building had several areas including:

  • Dining room
  • Gym
  • Classrooms
  • Library
  • Theater that could hold 700 people

From 1930 to 1946, the congregation grew from 85 families to 403 families. Rabbi Albert I. Gordon inspired this growth. He uplifted the Jewish community and opposed anti-Semitism in Minneapolis.

Adath Jeshurun was an important hub for the Jewish community in Minneapolis. In 1993, the congregation moved when the First Universalist Church bought the building.

Credits

Photo credits

  • 1930 photo: Lee Brothers, courtesy of The Minnesota Historical Society
  • 2006 photo: Minneapolis Community Planning & Economic Development

Work cited

Landscape Research, "Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Registration Form: Adath Jeshurun Synagogue," May 1996

Contact us

Historic Preservation

Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED)

Phone

612-673-3000

Address

Public Service Building
505 Fourth Ave. S., Room 320
Minneapolis, MN 55415