here has been a small Jewish presence in Wilmington since its founding in 1739. It was only in the next century that the population of Jews indicated the need for and support of a synagogue. During the 1840s and 1850s several Jewish families established themselves in the port city. These German-Jewish emigrants were part of a large movement of Jews away from small towns in Germany to North America. Wilmington was North Carolina’s most promising place to relocate. It was the state’s largest port, rail center, and city. The founding of a synagogue was inevitable but interrupted by the Civil War. Many Jewish residents of Wilmington enlisted in the Confederacy or invested in blockade running.

In 1872, a congregation was organized by forty families. They choose to follow Minhag America (American Ritual), which became the Union of American Hebrew Congregations the following year. The Ladies Concordia Society was organized in 1872 and B’nai B’rith in 1874. Begun in 1875 and completed in 1876, the Temple of Israel was the first synagogue constructed in North Carolina. At the time, the Moorish Revival architectural style of the building was popular for synagogues in both Europe and the United States. Today the Temple is one of fewer than thirty congregations to endure in its original nineteenth century structure. The Temple of Israel was dedicated on May 12th, 1876, with Rabbi Samuel Mendelsohn presiding. His tenure spanned a remarkable forty-six years (1876-1922.) In his initial sermon, he spoke about Jewish liberty, which had been slowly won through the ages and exhorted his people to be true to their history, tradition, and faith.

In 1878 there were 200 Jews in Wilmington. By the turn of the twentieth century Temple of Israel merchant families had expanded their businesses to form some of the largest retail and wholesale companies in the city. They also began a long history of Temple activism in local politics, civic and social organizations, and philanthropy.

During the twentieth century, the congregation experienced periods of expansion and decline along with the fortunes of the city. Military activity in the area brought many new families into the Temple during World War II. After the 1960 demise of the railroad, diversification of manufacturing and industry resulted in new faces at Temple services. Wilmington began to grow rapidly after the 1990 completion of 1-40. Numerous professional and business people moved to the area along with many retirees. At the turn of the twenty-first century, Temple membership is as diverse as any time in congregational history.

Inscription over Sanctuary Doors -- Intended for the Temple it was mistakenly painted over sanctuary doors at neighboring St. James Church, now both buildings have the same blessing.

Judenstern — Also known as Sabbath lamp, they were traditionally used by Jews in Europe from the middle ages. The one in the Temple foyer is mid19th century and was originally lit with oil and later candles.

Chandelier — Tradition says the Spanish Revival light came from Landau, Germany. Several hundred years old, it was originally lit with candles and later gas. It was electrified in 1903.

Bimah — The platform leading up to the Ark holds the lectern and Victorian chain, which were original to the building. The candle stand Torah stand are new additions. Candles are lit at the beginning of
Sabbath services and the Torah rests in its stand when not in use.

Ark — As is traditional, the Ark is located on the eastern wall. It houses the Torah scrolls, the core writings in the Jewish religion or the five books of Moses. Above the Ark are the Ten Commandments and an inscription in Hebrew and English, “Know Before Whom Thou Standeth.” The lamp in front of the Ark is called the Ner Tamid or the Eternal Light and it is original to the building.

Torahs — The Temple of Israel owns three Torah scrolls; the oldest one was used at the 1876 inaugural service. The Torah crowns and coverings are traditional ways of honoring the sacred texts. A yad or a pointer is used to avoid touching the Torah while reading it. Hebrew is written from right to left and Torah texts have no vowels.

Pews — The pews are original to the building and reflect the Moorish architectural style. Originally assigned seating was given to subscribers. Today congregants sit where they please.

Stained Glass Windows - The geometric patterned windows create blended light within the sanctuary. They are typical of 19th century Moorish style synagogues.

Organ — The Pilcher-Tracker organ, installed in 1906, was funded by the Ladies Concordia Society. Restored in 1990, it is only one of three such organs that remain in use.

Solomon Bear December 1872 to February 1904
Bernhard Solomon February 1904 to January 1923
Marcus W. Jacobi February 1923 to January 1928
Harry Solomon 1951-1952
Robert Kallman 1952-1953
Solomon Sternberger 1954-1956
Aaron Goldberg 1957-1957
Frank Oppenheimer 1958-1959
Dr. Samuel Warshauer 1960-1961
Sigmund Solomon 1962-1963
Harold Blakeman 1964-1965
David Zipser 1966-1967
Jessie Weiner 1968-1969
Melvin Mack 1971-1973
Fred Sternberger 1974-1975
Dr. Henry Schafer 1976-1978
William Heinberg 1979
Max Kahn 1980-1981
Louis Gratch 1982
Mannie Bertin & Mel Mack 1983
Melvin Mack 1984
Dr. Murray Seidel 1985-1987
Col. Lee Sherman 1988-1992
Dr. Murray Seidel 1993
Irving Fogler 1994-1995
Stanley House 1996 (resigned Aug. 1)
Irving Fogler 1996-1998
Laurence Mass 1999-2000
Alan Katz 2001-2002
Jean Rosenberg 2003-2005
Mike Van Vekovan 2006
Jeri Graham 2006
Murray Seidel 2007-2008
Richard Mandel 2009