Additional images: 1872 map of 324 Washington Street
Exterior: 324 Washington Street 1905, 783 High Street 1920, 783 High Street 2003
Interior:  783 High Street 1920

        Congregation B'nai Jeshurun (Sons of Righteousness) is the oldest Jewish congregation in Newark, being founded on August 20, 1848 by German Jews.   Originally services were held in the attic of a private house on Washington Street then in a building at the corner of Academy and Washington Streets.  At that time the congregation was entirely Orthodox. This synagogue ran its own day school for the children.   Rabbi Isaac Schwarz was hired in 1854 for $300 a year.  His salary was paid by the 12 1/2 cent dues from the twenty-two member congregation.  A synagogue was erected in 1858 at the corner of (256) Washington and William Streets.  The second synagogue was erected at 324 Washington Street and was dedicated on August 29, 1868.   By 1892 services were being conducted almost entirely in English.  December, 1915 saw the dedication of the site at 783 High Street. The building stands on a hill with the temple built in a modified Moorish design.  The members of the nearby First Baptist Church worshiped here when Peddie Memorial Church was being built.  Originally it was Orthodox, with separate seating for men and women with no organ or choir.  Eventually, this synagogue became a Reform synagogue.  The temple was moved to Short Hills in 1968.

        The building at 783 High Street is now occupied by the Hopewell Baptist Church.

ARCHIVE INFORMATION

"The Enduring Community" by William B. Helmreich
"A History of the City of Newark, New Jersey" various authors

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