Shivtei Yeshuron-Ezras Israel

The last Row House Shul in South Philadelphia. At one time there were about 150. A few years ago the Little Shul faced demolition. Several people who grew up in that area came back to save the place. Today it is quickly becoming a vibrant Synagogue once again. They have Shabbos services on the first Saturday morning of each month. They also host several concerts and lectures throughout the year. Although it is an Orthodox Shul, I have spoken to their president who says he wants to make it into a Jewish Community Centre where all are welcome. I love this place and look forward to services.

Shivtei Yeshuron-​Ezras Israel is one of the few remaining synagogues in South Philadelphia. From what I understand, there are still sabbath services held at this orthodox congregation. But it has also become a living museum of South Philadelphia Jewry.
I toured the synagogue, which is within a 3-​story rowhouse deep in South Philadelphia. Hidden Philadelphia was hosting an event and I am so glad they did. This is truly a hidden gem that will allow you to see history in a natural way, without fussy curation and plexiglass boxes. I had learned that there was an active Jewish community in South Philadelphia prior to WWI. In those times, the Irish, Italians, and Jews remained in separate corridors running north and south. And over the next 100 years, the Jewish community dispersed elsewhere, while the next waves of immigrants moved in.
The synagogue itself is an amazing sight to see. I live in a South Philly rowhome and I was amazed at the size of the building. The synagogue is situated on the first floor and you can read the fading memorial plaques on the way. Upstairs you can see some of their archived objects, including hundreds of photographs in piles. I believe Hidden Philadelphia may have set that up, but it’s fun to pick through the objects and photos like I used to explore my parents’ attic when I was young.
There is also a sewing exhibit on the second floor, which is part of a special project set up by the ADMK Knit lab. They are using looms to make a textile to put on the front of the building. A synagogue cozy, perhaps. I don’t know whether the project is finished, but it was still running through 6÷30÷2013.
The third floor is a vacant apartment, which still kept some objects, furniture and clothing. Some of a former Rabbi’s belongings are still there. It’s a mysterious place because the area reveals intimate details, but doesn’t tell a complete story.