Charleston

KKBE is the second oldest synagogue building in the United States and the oldest in continuous use. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1980 and has received awards for Historic Preservation and Historic Restoration. This Greek Revival style building was constructed in 1840 by member David Lopez, along with at least two enslaved artisans, both trained carpenters. Also surviving are the bases of two menorahs (candelabras) on either side of the Bimah. The large marble tablet above the huge entrance doors proclaims the Shema in Hebrew and an unusual English translation: “Hear O Israel the Lord Our God is the sole Eternal Being.” In the foyer over the entrance to the sanctuary is the original dedication stone from the 1794 synagogue. Our controversial organ was installed when the current building was erected in 1840, and remains in use to this day. Housing our four Torah scrolls is the massive hand-carved ark made of Santo Domingo mahogany. The stained-glass windows, which show Jewish religious symbols, date from 1888 and are replacements of windows destroyed in the earthquake of 1886. The interior of the synagogue, originally following a traditional Sephardic Orthodox arrangement, was altered first in 1879 with the installation of family pews and the removal of the pulpit to the front of the sanctuary. In 1886, after the earthquake, balconies on both sides of the building were removed and the Bimah reconfigured.

www.kkbe.org