Ahavath Torah | |
---|---|
Religion | |
Affiliation | Conservative Judaism |
Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Synagogue |
Leadership | Rabbi Jonathan Hausman |
Status | Active |
Location | |
Location | 1179 Central Street, Stoughton, Massachusetts |
Country | United States |
Location in
Massachusetts | |
Geographic coordinates | 42°08′06″N 71°06′29″W / 42.134959°N 71.108086°W |
Architecture | |
Date established |
|
Completed | 1970 |
Website | |
atorah |
Ahavath Torah is a Conservative synagogue located at 1179 Central Street, Stoughton, Massachusetts, in the United States. Formed as a merger of two older congregations founded in the 1890s, [1] it is the oldest synagogue in Stoughton. [2]
Congregation Ahavath Achim was formed in Stoughton in 1893. Congregation Talmud Torah was formed in Stoughton soon after, in 1895. [1] Both congregations worshiped in various houses. [2] In 1918, the congregations merged with the Hebrew Benevolent Society to form Ahavath Torah Congregation, [1] [2] with 25 members, [2] and Rev. M. L. Graham as its spiritual head. [3] That year the congregation began construction of its first synagogue building on Porter Street, [1] which was dedicated on October 14, 1919. [2] The congregation was, however, only officially incorporated on September 5, 1930. [2]
In 1954, Ahavath Achim opened its religious school. [2] In need of a larger synagogue building, it purchased and moved into the former Congregational Church at 30 Pearl Street in 1958. [1] [2] As Stoughton's Jewish population grew, membership increased to 72 families, and land was purchased in three stages for a new synagogue. The present building at 1179 Central Street was dedicated in 1970. Further growth led to a significant renovation and expansion of the synagogue building, which was completed in 1987. [2]
The synagogue has hosted many notable guest speakers, including Geert Wilders, [4] [5] Wafa Sultan, [6] and Dr. Mordechai Kedar, [7] as well as entertainment from singer Sam Glaser, [8] and a Bob Lazarus memorial show. [9]
Congregational rabbis have included Henry Gerson, David Oler, Harold Schechter, [2] and Steven Conn. [10] As of 2010 [update], the rabbi is Jonathan Hausman.