Ahavath Torah (Stoughton, Massachusetts)

Ahavath Torah is a Conservative congregation in Stoughton, Massachusetts. Formed as a merger of two older congregations founded in the 1890s,[1] it is the oldest synagogue in Stoughton.[2]

This article is about the Conservative synagogue. For the Modern Orthodox synagogue, see Congregation Ahavath Torah.
Ahavath Torah Congregation
Religion
AffiliationConservative Judaism
LeadershipRabbi: Jonathan Hausman
StatusActive
Location
Location1179 Central Street,
Stoughton, Massachusetts,
 United States
Geographic coordinates42.134959°N 71.108086°W / 42.134959; -71.108086
Architecture
Completed1970
Website
atorah.org

Congregation Ahavath Achim was formed in Stoughton in 1893. Congregation Talmud Torah was formed in Stoughton soon after, in 1895.[1] Both congregations worshiped in various houses.[2] In 1918, the congregations merged with the Hebrew Benevolent Society to form Ahavath Torah Congregation,[1][2] with 25 members,[2] and Rev. M. L. Graham as its spiritual head.[3] That year the congregation began construction of its first synagogue building on Porter Street,[1] which was dedicated on October 14, 1919.[2] The congregation was, however, only officially incorporated on September 5, 1930.[2]

In 1954, Ahavath Achim opened its religious school.[2] In need of a larger synagogue building, it purchased and moved into the former Congregational Church at 30 Pearl Street in 1958.[1][2] As Stoughton's Jewish population grew, membership increased to 72 families, and land was purchased in three stages for a new synagogue. The present building at 1179 Central Street was dedicated in 1970. Further growth led to a significant renovation and expansion of the synagogue building, which was completed in 1987.[2]

The synagogue has hosted many notable guest speakers, including Geert Wilders,[4][5] Wafa Sultan,[6] and Dr. Mordechai Kedar,[7] as well as entertainment from singer Sam Glaser,[8] and a Bob Lazarus memorial show.[9]

Congregational rabbis have included Henry Gerson, David Oler, Harold Schechter,[2] and Steven Conn.[10] As of 2010, the rabbi is Jonathan Hausman.

Notes
  1. Lambert, David Allen. Stoughton, Arcadia Publishing, 2001, p. 31. ISBN 978-0-7385-0941-9
  2. Our History, Ahavath Torah website. Retrieved September 27, 2010.
  3. "Chronology of Stoughton History". Stoughtonhistory.com. Retrieved September 29, 2010.
  4. "An Interview with a Local Hero: Rabbi Jon Hausman > Jerry Gordon". New English Review. December 18, 2008. Retrieved September 29, 2010.
  5. Schwartz, Penny (February 27, 2009). "Synagogue hails Dutch lawmaker as a hero". JTA. Archived from the original on March 6, 2009. Retrieved September 29, 2010.
  6. "Wafa Sultan at Ahavath Torah Video". Pakistan.tv. Archived from the original on March 13, 2012. Retrieved September 29, 2010.
  7. "Dr. Mordechai Kedar on "Arab Terrorism and the Myth of al Aqsa"". JStreetJive. February 9, 2010. Archived from the original on February 13, 2010. Retrieved September 29, 2010.
  8. "Tour Schedule". Sam Glaser. January 8, 2010. Retrieved September 29, 2010.
  9. "Bob Lazarus Memorial Comedy Show Tickets, Discount Tickets and Information – Boston Metro". Theater Mania. June 14, 2009. Retrieved September 29, 2010.
  10. Hart, Jordana. "Stoughton seeks answers for house filled with slurs", The Boston Globe, November 14, 1992.
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