History of Oheb Zedek-Taylor Road Synagogue
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The First Synagogue on Scovill, built in 1905
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On October 23, 1904, Forty members of B'nai Jeshurun Congregation did not wish to identify with the Conservatism which B'nai Jeshurun was about to adopt. They founded a new congregation named Oheb Zedek
On March 12, 1905 the new Congregation acquired a synagogue
site. Seven months later Oheb Zedek moved into its first synagogue, a new yellow brick building located on Scovill Avenue and 38th Street.
In 1921 a new synagogue was built for the congregation at Morison Avenue and Parkwood Drive. In 1922, Rabbi Samuel Benjamin, a native of Jerusalem, assumed the pulpit. He helped establish extensive youth activities programs and wide participation in Jewish and secular communal affairs.
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The Morison Synagogue built in 1921
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In 1925, Rabbi Israel Porath, also from Jerusalem, became the spiritual leader of the Congregation. As the membership expanded, Oheb Zedek created a daily Talmud Torah and Sunday Religious school, the only Orthodox Synagogue in the city to provide such educational facilities for its young members.
In 1939, Rabbi Louis Engelberg assumed the pulpit. During the 1940's, there was a transition within the Jewish community. In 1940, a minyan for the Synagogue on the Heights was proposed. The site on South Taylor Road at the terminus of Antisdale was proposed in Spring 1944. Later that year the site was purchased for $41,000. Seventeen people attended the first Friday evening service, with an additional fifteen present on Sabbath morning.
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House on Taylor Road property first used for services
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The construction of Taylor Road Synagogue began in 1949 with the first floor, including the Markowitz Chapel. The second floor of the building was added in 1950, which included ten new classrooms to be used for the Religious School. In 1952, the cornerstone for the Schmelzer auditorium was laid. After seven more years, the $1.5 million structure was completed.
At the time of the construction, five other Congregations merged with Oheb Zedek - Taylor Road Synagogue. They were: 1952 - Chibas Jerusalem Congregation. 1953 - Agudath Bnai Israel Anshe Sfard and Agudath Achim. 1955 - Shaarey Torah and Knesseth Israel.
In 1974 the Taylor Road Synagogue undertook an extensive modernization program, including The Schmelzer auditorium. The kitchen facilities were modernized and updated, as well.
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The Taylor Road Synagogue built in 1952
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Rabbi David Zlatin assumed the pulpit in 1984. A regular Adult Beginner's service was started.
In 2001, Rabbi Avraham Bensoussan became the spiritual leader of Oheb Zedek. Talmud and Chumash classes were re-instituted as well as social groups. Today, the Taylor Road Synagogue is continuously used as a resource for Simchas throughout the Jewish community.
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