culture

Oregon Historical Photo: Destruction Of A Synagogue

By Jo Mancuso (OPB)
Jan. 18, 2016 2 p.m.
By the 1960s, much of the largely immigrant South Portland neighborhood was slated for demolition under urban renewal. Congregation Ahavath Achim tried to move its synagogue from Southwest Third Avenue and Sherman Street to a new location in 1962. But only 100 feet down the road, a wall cracked and the building had to be demolished on the spot.

By the 1960s, much of the largely immigrant South Portland neighborhood was slated for demolition under urban renewal. Congregation Ahavath Achim tried to move its synagogue from Southwest Third Avenue and Sherman Street to a new location in 1962. But only 100 feet down the road, a wall cracked and the building had to be demolished on the spot.

Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education

Every week, Oregon Experience shares a photo highlighting the state's diverse, exciting history.

By the mid-19th century, German Jewish immigrants were following gold miners and farmers into Oregon, selling them supplies. In the following decades, antisemitism, economic upheaval and war drove migrations of Jews from Russia and across Europe to the United States. Some settled in Oregon population centers, establishing businesses and communities of faith. According to a recent poll, today, more than 47,000 Oregonians self-identify as Jewish. 
 
Watch the Oregon Experience documentary  "The Jewish Frontier" to learn about the history of synagogues in Oregon.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:

This series is in partnership with The Oregon Historical Society

This series is in partnership with The Oregon Historical Society

THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:
THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:

THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR: