# Congregation Rodeph Shalom (Philadelphia)

> Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Congregation_Rodeph_Shalom_(Philadelphia)
> Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Congregation_Rodeph_Shalom_(Philadelphia).md
> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congregation_Rodeph_Shalom_(Philadelphia)
> Source revision: 1345733498
> License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)

Historic Reform synagogue in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US

For similarly named synagogues, see [Rodeph Shalom](/source/Rodeph_Shalom_(disambiguation)).

Congregation Rodeph Shalom Hebrew: רודף שלום Rodeph Shalom Synagogue in 2010 Religion Affiliation Reform Judaism Ecclesiastical or organizational status Synagogue Leadership Rabbi Jill Maderer Rabbi Eli C. Freedman Status Active Location Location 615 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Country United States Location in Philadelphia Coordinates 39°57′55″N 75°9′40″W / 39.96528°N 75.16111°W / 39.96528; -75.16111 Architecture Architects Frank Furness (1866) Simon and Simon (1928) Type Synagogue Style Byzantine Revival Moorish Revival Art Deco Established 1795 (as a congregation) Completed 1866 (N. Broad St. #1) 1928 (N. Broad St. #2) Specifications Direction of façade West Materials Granite, synthetics, limestone Website rodephshalom.org Rodeph Shalom Synagogue U.S. National Register of Historic Places NRHP reference No. 07000797[1] Added to NRHP August 07, 2007 [2][3]

**Congregation Rodeph Shalom** ([Hebrew](/source/Hebrew_language): רודף שלום, [lit.](/source/Literal_translation) 'Pursuer of Peace'), is a historic [Reform](/source/Reform_Judaism) [Jewish](/source/Jewish) congregation and [synagogue](/source/Synagogue) located at 615 North [Broad Street](/source/Broad_Street_(Philadelphia)), [Philadelphia, Pennsylvania](/source/Philadelphia%2C_Pennsylvania), in the United States. Established in 1795, it is the [oldest](/source/Oldest_synagogues_in_the_United_States) [Ashkenazic](/source/Ashkenazic) synagogue in the [Western Hemisphere](/source/Western_Hemisphere). It is noted historically for its leadership of the Reform movement among American Hebrew congregations, for its spiritual influence upon international Jewry, and for its unique 1927 [Byzantine](/source/Byzantine_Revival_architecture) and [Moorish Revival](/source/Moorish_Revival_architecture) synagogue building, with [Art Deco](/source/Art_Deco_architecture) finishes, on North Broad Street, listed on the [National Register of Historic Places](/source/National_Register_of_Historic_Places) since 2007.

## Origins and early history

Founded informally as a *[minyan](/source/Minyan)* of ten worshipers in 1795 by Jews from [Germany](/source/History_of_the_Jews_in_Germany), [Holland](/source/History_of_the_Jews_in_the_Netherlands), and [Poland](/source/History_of_the_Jews_in_Poland), Rodeph Shalom adopted its first Articles of Association in 1802, and in 1812 was the first synagogue in [Pennsylvania](/source/Pennsylvania) to receive a corporate charter. Its records were kept in [Yiddish](/source/Yiddish_language) until 1810 and in [German](/source/German_language) until 1830,[4] and it was known mainly as the congregation of recent immigrants until 1840.[5] The congregation differentiated itself from [Congregation Mikveh Israel](/source/Congregation_Mikveh_Israel_(Philadelphia)) mainly by offering Philadelphia Jews of northern European origin membership at reduced rates and, in cases of hardship, gratis.[4] Welfare provisions were prominent features of Rodeph Shalom's constitution; rabbis were permitted to extend aid of up to five dollars to any sick or poor person, for example.[4] But there was a price for these amenities: absence from Friday evening or Saturday morning services was punishable by fine, excused only by sickness or travel out of town.[6]

Services were held during the congregation's first seven decades in a variety of locations: initially in a building on Margaretta Street before Second; after 1820 at 1 Bread (Moravian) Street; by 1830 at 7 Pear Alley (Chancellor Street); and until 1840 at 15 Vine Street and at Fifth and Cherry.[6] Relatively late in its history, then, the congregation finally built its first building in 1866, a [Moorish Revival](/source/Moorish_Revival) sanctuary on North [Broad Street](/source/Broad_Street_(Philadelphia)) designed by Philadelphia architect [Frank Furness](/source/Frank_Furness).[7]

Lay readers conducted services at Rodeph Shalom during its first decades. Mayer Ullmann, co-writer of the congregation's first by-laws in 1810 that made no provision for a paid leader, or *[hazzan](/source/Hazzan)*, was the first appointed *baal tefilla*, or leader of services. He was joined in 1818 by Abraham Levy, who conducted Sabbath and holiday services. The first formally appointed *hazzan* of Rodeph Shalom was Charleston, South Carolina, native Rabbi Jacob Lippman, who was forced to supplement his annual salary of $30 for part-time service by keeping a second-hand clothing store on [South Street](/source/South_Street_(Philadelphia)).[8]

Of course in this era, the number of Philadelphia Jews was relatively small. In 1822, only 225 foreign-born, mostly Ashkenazic Jews resided in Philadelphia and were outnumbered by those born in America. Recent immigrants did not outnumber native-born Jewish Philadelphians until 1830, but these Jews, far fewer than one thousand in the burgeoning town, assimilated so handily to life in America that they presented few problems to either their adopted city or to their Jewish neighbors.[9]

## Becoming Reform: Marcus Jastrow

The Reverend [Isaac Leeser](/source/Isaac_Leeser), chosen by Congregation Mikveh Israel in 1829 as its *hazzan*, began to preach in English in 1831, inviting other Hebrew congregations to share his vision of Jewish ecumenism and beginning a period of institutional adaptation to the changing physical, educational, and economic circumstances of modern Jews in America and around the world that would lead directly to the rise of the Reform movement.[10] Leeser founded the first Jewish Sunday school in 1838 and would publish the *Occident and American Jewish Advocate*, a monthly international Jewish periodical, in 1868.[11]

On April 13, 1843, the day prior to the commencement of Passover, Rodeph Shalom moved into and dedicated its second sanctuary on the third floor of a building on N Fourth St between Vine and Wood Streets in the Northern Liberties neighborhood. The procession into the new sanctuary was led by Isaac Leeser from Mikveh Israel, who was followed by Rodeph Shalom's senior cleric, Reverend Rau, and his assistant Reverend Pape. They carried the congregation's Torah scrolls and made seven circuits around the new space. At the time, Jews numbered approximately 60,000 in the United States, and Rodeph Shalon remained one of only two synagogues in Philadelphia.[12]

A new brand of Jewish spiritual leader, the ordained rabbi with a university doctorate of divinity bearing the title "Reverend Doctor", arrived on the Rodeph Shalom scene in 1853, when the congregation was the first in the city to hire one of the new breed, Rabbi Bernard L. Illoway, as rabbi, preacher, and Sunday school principal. Illoway worked alongside the Rev. [Jacob Frankel](/source/Jacob_Frankel), who had joined the staff in 1849, but later departed in 1862 following his appointment as the first official Jewish [chaplain](/source/Chaplain_Corps_(United_States_Army)) in the US Army, in part through the efforts of the [Board of Delegates of American Israelites](/source/Board_of_Delegates_of_American_Israelites).[13]

Rodeph Shalom synagogue, designed by [Frank Furness](/source/Frank_Furness), completed in 1866

The 1850s and 1860s were marked by Leeser's call for a [synod](/source/Synod) of Philadelphia congregations and by [Congregation Keneseth Israel](/source/History_of_the_Jews_in_Philadelphia#Congregation_Keneseth_Israel)'s Rabbi [David Einhorn](/source/David_Einhorn_(rabbi))'s denunciations of slavery as contrary to Biblical and Talmudic law. In 1866, Rodeph Shalom called [Warsaw](/source/Warsaw%2C_Poland)'s scholarly Rabbi [Marcus Jastrow](/source/Marcus_Jastrow) to its pulpit in acknowledgment of his heroic activism against the [Russia](/source/Russia)-dominated [Polish](/source/Poland) government. Leeser and Jastrow then helped form a short-lived rabbinical seminary, [Maimonides College](/source/Maimonides_College), at which Jastrow taught [philosophy](/source/Philosophy), [history](/source/History), Biblical [exegesis](/source/Exegesis), and [Talmud](/source/Talmud) and eventually succeeded Leeser as provost.[14]

Jastrow became active on the national stage as editor-in-chief of the [Jewish Publication Society](/source/Jewish_Publication_Society)'s *[Holy Scriptures](/source/Holy_Scriptures)* and author of a classic [Aramaic](/source/Aramaic_language)-English scriptural dictionary. He was asked to open the [United States House of Representatives](/source/United_States_House_of_Representatives) in [Washington, D.C.](/source/Washington%2C_D.C.), with prayer in 1869, and hosted the meeting of Philadelphia philanthropists at Rodeph Shalom that resulted in creation of the city's United Hebrew Charities, which later became the Federation of Jewish Agencies.

With Jastrow's thoughtful and scholarly sermons attracting larger audiences and wider membership, Rodeph Shalom erected its first dedicated building in the Moorish style at Broad and Mount Vernon Streets, six blocks north of Penn Square, in 1869. Jastrow moved the congregation closer to Reform by instituting a mixed choir, installing an organ, abolishing the [women's gallery](/source/Ezrat_Nashim), and ending the sale of *mitzvot*, although he maintained separate male and female seating in the sanctuary.[14]

But the tide of greater spiritual reform was sweeping the country, and by 1892, Jastrow was looked upon as a conservative and dismissed. The [Pittsburgh Conference](/source/Pittsburgh_Platform) of 1885, presided over by Rabbi [Isaac Mayer Wise](/source/Isaac_Mayer_Wise), had settled upon a group of eight principles that defined Reform Judaism until 1937. This platform rejected the atavistic elements of [Mosaic law](/source/Law_of_Moses), including dietary restrictions and special garments; it accepted modern science, preached the need to teach morality, defined Judaism as a religion rather than a nationality, welcomed all faiths in a rational, ecumenical fraternity, and affirmed the need for social justice and social action.[15]

## The titans of Reform: Berkowitz and Wolsey

Jastrow was replaced in December 1892 by the Rev. Dr. [Henry Berkowitz](/source/Henry_Berkowitz) (1857–1924), formerly spiritual leader of congregations in [Mobile, Alabama](/source/Mobile%2C_Alabama), and [Kansas City, Missouri](/source/Kansas_City%2C_Missouri), and Philadelphia's first American-born rabbi. Following the lead of his close friend, Keneseth Israel's [Joseph Krauskopf](/source/Joseph_Krauskopf), Berkowitz created a library at Rodeph Shalom and began publishing his sermons in English, making the study of German at the religious school optional and soon abandoned. Congregational singing and a children's choir became regular features at worship services. In 1893, Berkowitz was instrumental in creating the [Jewish Chautauqua Society](/source/Jewish_Chautauqua_Society) for the promotion and dissemination of studies in Jewish history and education of non-Jews about Judaism. In 1894, Berkowitz replaced Jastrow's prayerbook with the newly published *[Union Prayer Book](/source/Union_Prayer_Book)*, and by 1897, he had re-made the congregation in his warm and empathetic personal image.[16]

Berkowitz's activities were not circumscribed by his religious ties. He was an executive member and honorary vice president of the Playgrounds Association that brought recreation and social services to children in Philadelphia's underprivileged neighborhoods. He served on a Vice Commission that worked to end prostitution among immigrant girls. He vigorously opposed those who insisted that contemporary Judaism demanded creation of a national Jewish state in [Palestine](/source/Palestine_(region)) with his widely publicized statement, "Why I am Not a Zionist". During [World War I](/source/World_War_I), he lectured widely to raise funds for relief for war victims and toured army camps, lecturing to service men.[17]

Rodeph Shalom Synagogue's sanctuary ceiling

Berkowitz's failing health and eventual death in 1924 brought interim rabbi [Harry W. Ettelson](/source/Harry_W._Ettelson) and associate rabbi Ferdinand Isserman to the pulpit at Rodeph Shalom that year. In 1925, [Louis Wolsey](/source/Louis_Wolsey) arrived from [Cleveland](/source/Cleveland)'s Euclid Avenue (Fairmount) Temple with a national reputation for pulpit oratory, and a new chapter of the congregation's history began. Wolsey moved quickly to move the religious school, long conducted off campus at a remote facility at Broad and Jefferson, to the congregation's main edifice at Broad and Mount Vernon. Immediately elected president of the Central Conference of American Rabbis and then chairman of the Conference's Committee on Synagogue Music, Wolsey published the third edition of the *Union Hymnal* that notably and for the first time included hymns from every competent Jewish composer of the era.[18]

In 1928, needing a larger sanctuary and additional meeting and office areas, the congregation, under Wolsey's leadership, built its present magnificent Moorish Revival synagogue. The interior, including its star-burst skylights, stained glass windows, bronze-and-enamel doors of the [Aron Kodesh](/source/Aron_Kodesh), walls, ceiling, dome, carpet and ornamentation are by D'Ascenzo Studio.[19]

Like Berkowitz, Wolsey was a leader of the [Anti-Zionism](/source/Anti-Zionism) movement in Reform Judaism that in 1937 repudiated an attempt by the Central Conference to institute a theme of [Jewish peoplehood](/source/Jewish_peoplehood) and allow for Zionist sentiment within the Reform movement. Also like Berkowitz, Wolsey's social activism transcended religious and geographical boundaries; he established the Mount Vernon Center for underprivileged children in the neighborhood surrounding the congregation's Mount Vernon Street edifice and created the Well Baby Clinic to teach young mothers homemaking and preventive medical care. In 1937, he became chairman of Philadelphia's Vice and Crime Commission and made recommendations that helped change [Pennsylvania](/source/Pennsylvania)'s outmoded criminal parole system.[20]

## The age of David H. Wice

"Rabbi David H. Wice, who served Rodeph Shalom from 1947 until 1981, shepherded the congregation through a period of unprecedented growth and social change. He enlarged the scope of synagogue services and connected Judaism to the everyday lives of his congregants. As Philadelphia's Jews migrated to the city's northern suburbs, Rabbi Wice created the congregation's Suburban Center in Elkins Park, a spiritual sanctuary dedicated to suburban residents that maintained its own religious school and to which Rabbi Wice and his associate and assistant rabbis traveled for sermons and meetings throughout their tenure with the congregation. Throughout his life, Rabbi Wice was a champion of Reform Judaism, the international Progressive Jewish Movement, and was a leading advocate for educational and social welfare causes. As president of the [World Union for Progressive Judaism](/source/World_Union_for_Progressive_Judaism) (1973–80), he guided the international Reform movement through a critical period of change and growth. It was during his tenure that the movement moved its headquarters to Jerusalem, which was a central event in the movement's history, reinforcing the centrality of the State of Israel in Progressive Jewish life."[19]

"Rabbi Richard S. Steinbrink, who joined Rodeph Shalom in 1970 under Dr. Wice, served the congregation as senior rabbi from 1981 to 1988. Rabbi Steinbrink reintroduced traditional rituals formerly exclusively associated with Conservatism into Rodeph Shalom's worship service. Presiding over his first service as senior rabbi, for example, Rabbi Steinbrink wore a black robe and *[tallis](/source/Tallit)* on the *[bimah](/source/Bema#Judaism)*, an act controversial at the time. But more importantly, Steinbrink focused his spiritual attention on issues of broad and ecumenical public concern, such as nuclear arms control, local and world hunger, and the crisis in public education, urging the congregation to think critically about the secular world with the tools of Jewish morality and to fight for change within that world when necessary."[19]

"Rabbi Alan D. Fuchs led the congregation as senior rabbi from 1988 to 1998. A graduate of [Trinity College](/source/Trinity_College%2C_Hartford) in [Hartford, Connecticut](/source/Hartford%2C_Connecticut), he was ordained by the [Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion](/source/Hebrew_Union_College-Jewish_Institute_of_Religion) in 1963. Before joining Rodeph Shalom, Rabbi Fuchs served as senior rabbi of the [Isaac M. Wise Temple](/source/Isaac_M._Wise_Temple) in [Cincinnati, Ohio](/source/Cincinnati%2C_Ohio). He was also rabbi at Temple Sinai in Pittsburgh; Congregation Keneseth Israel in Elkins Park; and Temple Beth El in [Somerville, New Jersey](/source/Somerville%2C_New_Jersey); and served as a US Army chaplain at [Fort Knox, Kentucky](/source/Fort_Knox%2C_Kentucky), and [Verdun](/source/Verdun), [France](/source/France)."[19]

## Rodeph Shalom today

The synagogue in 2024

"William I. Kuhn became senior rabbi of Congregation Rodeph Shalom in 1998. Rabbi Kuhn was ordained in 1994 by the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, and immediately came to RS, serving as assistant and associate rabbi beginning in 1994. He brings broad and distinctive life experience to the congregation's historic pulpit."[19] Throughout his tenure, Rabbi Kuhn has initiated and overseen Rodeph Shalom's ambitious and wide-ranging efforts to encourage all members of the congregation to volunteer a significant amount of their time in the betterment of their community.[21]

"A native and longtime resident of Nashville, Tennessee, Rabbi Kuhn's great love for Judaism was nurtured at Congregation Ohabai Sholom and within his family, which had founded the synagogue in the 1860s and remains vitally active in it to this day. He continued the Kuhn family tradition of leadership as a board member and officer of Ohabai Sholom, particularly while chairing the Social Action Committee, when he was instrumental in establishing a homeless shelter at the Temple."[21]

After graduating from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, "Rabbi Kuhn served as vice-president of Kuhn's Big K Stores Corporation, a family-owned retail business, and later established and was president of General Property Investor's Corporation, a real-estate investment firm."[21] Throughout this period, he was active in Nashville community affairs.[21]

"In Philadelphia, Rabbi Kuhn is an active member of the boards of Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, Jewish Family and Children's Services, and the National Conference for Community and Justice. He served on Mayor John Street's Transition Committee as co-chairman of the Volunteer and Faith-Based Organizations Sub-committee and on the Human Relations Commission for the City of Philadelphia."[21]

In 2003–04, under Rabbi Kuhn's direction, Rodeph Shalom carried out a major restoration of its main sanctuary. The entire building was rewired for modern electricity requirements and the air conditioning and heating systems replaced with modern equipment. Lighting fixtures were removed, cleaned and restored; ceiling painted and reguilded; wallpaper cleaned; and carpeting and seats replaced.[22]

During his successful campaign for the presidency, [Barack Obama](/source/Barack_Obama) spoke in the synagogue at Passover, 2008.[23]

In 2017, Rabbi Jill L. Maderer became the Senior Rabbi of Rodeph Shalom.[24]

Rodeph Shalom held events in support of Israel during the [Gaza war](/source/Gaza_war), including a 30 November 2023 fundraiser for the Friends of the [IDF](/source/Israel_Defense_Forces)[25] and a 10 December rally[26] attended by [Josh Shapiro](/source/Josh_Shapiro) and [Bob Casey](/source/Bob_Casey_Jr.).[27]

## See also

- [Philadelphia portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Philadelphia)
- [Judaism portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Judaism)

- [History of the Jews in Pennsylvania](/source/History_of_the_Jews_in_Pennsylvania)

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-nris_1-0)** ["National Register Information System"](https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP). *[National Register of Historic Places](/source/National_Register_of_Historic_Places)*. [National Park Service](/source/National_Park_Service). March 13, 2009.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** [*Pennsylvania SP Rodeph Shalom Synagogue*](https://catalog.archives.gov/id/71996996). File Unit: National Register of Historic Places and National Historic Landmarks Program Records: Pennsylvania, 1964 - 2013. Department of the Interior. National Park Service. 2013–2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-NRHP2007_3-0)** Sheryl Jaslow (July 2006). [National Register of Historic Places Registration: Pennsylvania SP Rodeph Shalom Synagogue](https://catalog.archives.gov/id/71996996). National Archives and Records Administration. Retrieved January 5, 2026. (Downloading may be slow.)

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Wolf_233_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Wolf_233_4-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Wolf_233_4-2) [Wolf & Whiteman (1975)](#CITEREFWolfWhiteman1975), p. 233

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** [Stern (1983)](#CITEREFStern1983), p. 179

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Wolf_234_6-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Wolf_234_6-1) [Wolf & Whiteman (1975)](#CITEREFWolfWhiteman1975), p. 234

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** [Stolzman, Stolzman & Hausman (2004)](#CITEREFStolzmanStolzmanHausman2004), p. 159

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** [Wolf & Whiteman (1975)](#CITEREFWolfWhiteman1975), p. 252

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** [Wolf & Whiteman (1975)](#CITEREFWolfWhiteman1975), pp. 374–375

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** [Stern (1983)](#CITEREFStern1983), pp. 179–180

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** [Stern (1983)](#CITEREFStern1983), p. 180

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** "Consecration of the Synagogue Roudafe Sholum (Followers of Peace) Philadelphia". *[Niles' National Register](/source/Weekly_Register)*. Baltimore, Maryland: [Hezekiah Niles](/source/Hezekiah_Niles). May 6, 1843. p. 1.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** [Guide to the Records of the Board of Delegates of American Israelites](http://findingaids.cjh.org/?pID=109142), [American Jewish Historical Society](/source/American_Jewish_Historical_Society)

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Stern_183_14-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Stern_183_14-1) [Stern (1983)](#CITEREFStern1983), p. 183

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** [Stern (1983)](#CITEREFStern1983), pp. 185–186

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** [Stern (1983)](#CITEREFStern1983), p. 192

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** [Stern (1983)](#CITEREFStern1983), pp. 193–194

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** [Stern (1983)](#CITEREFStern1983), pp. 195–196

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-history_19-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-history_19-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-history_19-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-history_19-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-history_19-4) ["History"](https://web.archive.org/web/20200513152604/http://www.rodephshalom.org/history/). Congregation Rodeph Shalom. Archived from [the original](http://www.rodephshalom.org/history/) on May 13, 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** [Stern (1983)](#CITEREFStern1983), pp. 196–197

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-clergy_21-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-clergy_21-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-clergy_21-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-clergy_21-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-clergy_21-4) ["Clergy"](https://web.archive.org/web/20151126040411/http://www.rodephshalom.org/about/leadership/clergy). Congregation Rodeph Shalom. Archived from [the original](http://www.rodephshalom.org/about/leadership/clergy) on November 26, 2015. Retrieved November 27, 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** [Congregation Rodeph Shalom Renovation & Construction](http://www.rodephshalom.org/construct.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20080705125434/http://www.rodephshalom.org/construct.html) July 5, 2008, at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** Graham, Sam (April 19, 2008). ["Barack Obama | Sam Graham-Felsen's Blog: Happy Passover"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080422175450/http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/samgrahamfelsen/gGCgcm). My.barackobama.com. Archived from [the original](http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/samgrahamfelsen/gGCgcm) on April 22, 2008. Retrieved December 19, 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** ["Our Professional Team: Clergy"](https://web.archive.org/web/20181205061528/https://www.rodephshalom.org/about/leadership/our-professional-team). Congregation Rodeph Shalom. 2017. Archived from [the original](http://www.rodephshalom.org/about/leadership/our-professional-team) on December 5, 2018. Retrieved December 4, 2018. Jill L. Maderer has served Congregation Rodeph Shalom since her ordination from Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion in New York in 2001. In partnership with our senior staff, professional team, Board of Trustees and many involved congregants, she works passionately to build community, and pursue our vision: creating profound connections.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** ["No Gala for Genocide"](https://mondoweiss.net/2023/12/no-gala-for-genocide/). *Mondoweiss*. December 3, 2023. Retrieved December 31, 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-26)** Marin, Max (December 31, 2023). ["How Philly's pro-Israel Jewish community has grieved, rallied, and raised millions since Oct. 7"](https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-jewish-community-israel-hamas-war-20231231.html). *The Philadelphia Inquirer*. Retrieved December 31, 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-27)** Terruso, Julia (December 10, 2023). ["At packed rally in Philly, Josh Shapiro, Bob Casey, and Penn students say, 'Hate has no place'"](https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/josh-shapiro-rally-antisemitism-philadelphia-rodeph-shalom-20231210.html). *The Philadelphia Inquirer*. Retrieved December 31, 2024.

## Bibliography

- Wolf, Edwin II; Whiteman, Maxwell (1975). *The History of the Jews of Philadelphia from Colonial Times Until the Age of Jackson*. Philadelphia, PA: Jewish Publication Society of America.

- Stern, Malcolm H. (1983). "National Leaders of Their Time: Philadelphia's Reform Rabbis". In Murray Friedman (ed.). *Jewish Life in Philadelphia, 1830–1940*. Philadelphia, PA: Institute for the Study of Human Issues.

- Stolzman, Henry; Stolzman, Daniel; Hausman, Tami (2004). *Synagogue Architecture in America: Faith, Spirit & Identity*. Images Publishing Group.

## Further reading

- Edward Davis (1926) *The History of Rodeph Shalom Congregation, Philadelphia, 1802–1926*.

## External links

Media related to [Congregation Rodeph Shalom (Philadelphia)](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Congregation_Rodeph_Shalom_(Philadelphia)) at Wikimedia Commons

- [Official website](http://www.rodephshalom.org/)

v t e US National Register of Historic Places in Pennsylvania Topics Contributing property Keeper of the Register Historic district History of the National Register of Historic Places National Park Service Property types Lists by county Adams Allegheny Armstrong Beaver Bedford Berks Blair Bradford Bucks Butler Cambria Cameron Carbon Centre Chester East North South Clarion Clearfield Clinton Columbia Crawford Cumberland Dauphin Delaware Elk Erie Fayette Forest Franklin Fulton Greene Huntingdon Indiana Jefferson Juniata Lackawanna Lancaster Lawrence Lebanon Lehigh Luzerne Lycoming McKean Mercer Mifflin Monroe Montgomery Montour Northampton Northumberland Perry Philadelphia Pike Potter Schuylkill Snyder Somerset Sullivan Susquehanna Tioga Union Venango Warren Washington Wayne Westmoreland Wyoming York Lists by city Pittsburgh Lancaster Philadelphia Center City North Northeast Northwest South Southwest West Other lists European archaeological sites Native American archaeological sites Bridges covered National Historic Landmarks Philadelphia Category NRHP portal

v t e Synagogues in the United States By state Alabama Beth-El (Anniston) Knesseth Israel (Birmingham) Beth-El (Birmingham) Emanu-El (Birmingham) B'nai Sholom (Huntsville) Sha’arai Shomayim (Mobile) Agudath Israel Etz Ahayem (Montgomery) Beth Or (Montgomery) Alaska Arizona Beth Israel (Scottsdale) Emanuel (Tempe) Kol Ami (Tucson) Arkansas Shalom (Fayetteville) California Los Angeles Stephen Wise Temple (Bel Air) Beth Jacob (Beverly Hills) Emanuel (Beverly Hills) Valley Beth Shalom (Encino) Beth Israel (Highland Park & Eagle Rock) Temple Israel (Hollywood) Beth Am IKAR (LA) Wilshire Boulevard (LA) Beth Chayim Chadashim (Mid City) Ahavat Shalom (Northridge) Kehillat Israel (Pacific Palisades) Ner Tamid (Rancho Palos Verdes) Jewish Temple and Center (Pasadena) Pacific Jewish Center (Venice) Sephardic Temple (Westwood) Sinai Temple (Westwood) Bay Area Beth Israel (Berkeley) Beyt Tikkun (Berkeley) Peninsula Temple Sholom (Burlingame) B'nai Israel (Daly City) Beth Am (Los Altos Hills) Kehilla Community (Oakland) Temple Sinai (Oakland) Am Tikvah (San Francisco) Beth Sholom (San Francisco) Emanu-El (San Francisco) House of Love and Prayer (San Francisco) The Kitchen (San Francisco) Sherith Israel (San Francisco) Rodef Sholom (San Rafael) Kol Shofar (Tiburon) Beth Israel (Fresno) Chabad (Poway) B'nai Israel (Sacramento) Beth Israel (San Diego) Temple Israel (Stockton) Colorado Beth HaMedrosh Hagodol-Beth Joseph (Denver) Temple Emanuel (Denver) Temple Sinai (Denver) Temple Emanuel (Pueblo) Temple Aaron (Trinidad) Connecticut B'nai Israel (Bridgeport) Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek (Chester) Knesseth Israel (Ellington) Ahavath Achim (Fairfield) Mishkan Israel (Hamden) Beth Israel (Hartford West) Tephereth Israel (New Britain) Beth Israel (New Haven) Agudath Sholom (Stamford) Israel (Westport) B'nai Jacob (Woodbridge) Hebrew Congregation of Woodmont Delaware District of Columbia Adas Israel Bet Mishpachah DC Minyan Kesher Israel Machar Ohev Sholom Rosh Pina Sixth & I Temple Micah Washington Hebrew Florida Ahavath Chesed (Jacksonville) Bal Harbour (Surfside) Bet Shira (Miami) Edmond J. Safra (Miami) Beth Sholom (Miami Beach) Cuban Hebrew (Miami Beach) Emanu-El (Palm Beach) New (Palm Beach) Beth-El (Pensacola) Georgia Beth Jacob (Atlanta) Shearith Israel (Atlanta) Temple (Atlanta) B'nai Israel (Augusta) Beth Israel (Macon) B'nai Torah (Sandy Springs) Mickve Israel (Savannah) Hawaii Aloha Jewish Chapel (Pearl Harbor) Emanu-El (Honolulu) Idaho Ahavath Beth Israel (Boise) Illinois Chicagoland Anshe Emet Anshe Sholom B'nai Israel Beth Shalom Emanuel Congregation KAM Isaiah Israel Loop Synagogue Makom Solel Lakeside Mishkan North Shore Congregation Israel Beth El (Highland Park) Temple Sholom Sinai Tzedek Moses Montefiore (Bloomington) Jewish Community Center (Mattoon) Anshai Emeth (Peoria) Indiana Achduth Vesholom (Fort Wayne) Indianapolis Hebrew Iowa B'nai Israel (Council Bluffs) Beit Shalom (Davenport) United Orthodox (Sioux City) Kansas Beth Israel Abraham Voliner (Kansas City) B'nai Jehudah (Overland Park) Kentucky Adath Israel Brith Sholom (Louisville) Anshei Sfard (Louisville) Keneseth Israel (Louisville) Adath Israel (Owensboro) Temple Israel (Paducah) Louisiana B'nai Israel (Alexandria) Gemiluth Chassodim (Alexandria) Anshe Sfard (New Orleans) Beth Israel (New Orleans) Sinai (New Orleans) Touro (New Orleans) B'Nai Zion (Shreveport) Maine Beth Israel (Bangor) Etz Chaim (Portland) Shaarey Tphiloh (Portland) Maryland Baltimore B'nai Israel Hebrew Beth Am Shearith Israel Shomrei Emunah Tiferes Yisroel Naval Academy (Annapolis) Beth El (Bethesda) Bethesda Jewish Congregation Beth Shalom (Columbia) B'er Chayim (Cumberland) B'Nai Israel (Easton) Beth Sholom (Frederick) Kol Ami (Frederick) Emanuel (Kensington) Oseh Shalom (Laurel) Magen David Sephardic (North Bethesda) Ohev Sholom Talmud Torah (Olney) Beth El (Pikesville) Beth Tfiloh (Pikesville) Har Sinai – Oheb Shalom (Pikesville) Beth Sholom and Talmud Torah (Potomac) Beth Israel (Salisbury) Young Israel Shomrai Emunah (Silver Spring) B'nai Israel (Rockville) Massachusetts Temple Israel (Boston) Ohabei Shalom (Brookline) Kahal B'raira (Cambridge) Agudath Shalom (Chelsea) Beth Israel (Malden) Adams Street (Newton) Shaarei Tefillah (Newton) Beth Israel (North Adams) Beth Israel (Onset) Anshe Amunim (Pittsfield) Sinai Temple (Springfield) Ahavath Torah (Stoughton) Beth Israel (Worcester) Emanuel Sinai (Worcester) Michigan Beth El (Alpena) Beth Emeth (Ann Arbor) Beth Israel (Ann Arbor) Beth El (Detroit) Birmingham Temple (Detroit) Isaac Agree Downtown (Detroit) Temple Emanuel (Grand Rapids) Temple Jacob (Hancock) Beth Sholom (Marquette) Beth Israel (Jackson) Temple Israel (West Bloomfield) Minnesota Beth Jacob (Mendota Heights) Temple Israel (Minneapolis) Adath Jeshurun (Minnetonka) Beth El (St Louis Park) Mount Zion (St Paul) Or Emet (St Paul) Mississippi Adath Israel (Cleveland) Beth Israel (Jackson) Beth Israel (Meridian) B'nai Israel (Tupelo) Missouri United Hebrew (Chesterfield) B'nai Amoona (Creve Coeur) Shaare Emeth (Creve Coeur) Temple Israel (Creve Coeur) Beth El (Jefferson City) Montana Nebraska B'nai Jeshurun / South Street (Lincoln) Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey Beth Sholom (Cherry Hill) Kol Ami (Cherry Hill) Synagogue of Deal Beth Hillel (Deerville) Ahavath Torah (Englewood) Barnert (Franklin Lakes) Agudath Achim (Freehold) Etz Ahaim Sephardic (Highland Park) United Synagogue of Hoboken Beth-El (Jersey City) Adas Emuno (Leonia) B'Nai Abraham (Livingston) Shaari Emeth (Manalapan) Marlboro Jewish Center B'nai Israel (Millburn) Beth Hillel Beth Abraham (Millville) Morristown Jewish Center Beth Israel (Ridgewood) Rosenhayn Synagogue Oheb Shalom (South Orange) Beth El (Voorhees) New Mexico Albert (Albuquerque) B'nai Israel (Albuquerque) New York The Bronx Adath Israel Hebrew Institute Riverdale Center Riverdale Temple Brooklyn Magen David (Bensonhurst) Chevra Anshei Lubawitz (Borough Park) Shomrei Emunah (Borough Park) Young Israel Beth El (Borough Park) Kane Street/Baith Israel Anshei Emes (Cobble Hill) 770 (Crown Heights) CAY (Crown Heights) Kol Israel (Crown Heights) Beth El (Flatbush) Khal Hisachdus Yirieim Veretzky (Flatbush) Shaare Zion (Gravesend) Edmond J. Safra (Homecrest) Ocean Parkway (Kensington) Manhattan Beach Jewish Center B'nai Yosef (Mapleton) East Midwood (Midwood) Kingsway Center (Midwood) Sephardic Center (Mills Basin) Beth Elohim (Park Slope) Kolot Chayeinu (Park Slope) Park Slope (Park Slope) Beth Jacob Ohev Sholom (Williamsburg) Yetev Lev D'Satmar (Hooper St, Williamsburg) Yetev Lev D'Satmar (Rodney St, Williamsburg) Long Island Jewish Center (Atlantic Beach) Jewish Center (East Hampton) East Meadow Beth-El Jewish Center North Country Reform (Glen Cove) Beth-El (Great Neck) Tifereth Israel (Greenport) Jericho Jewish Center Emanu-El (Long Beach) RSNS (Plandome) Beth Israel (Port Washington) Adas Israel (Sag Harbor) Aish Kodesh (Woodmere) Manhattan Altneu Sixth Street (East Village) Meserich (East Village) Beth Israel (Garment District) Millinery Center (Garment District) Old Broadway (Harlem) Actor's Temple (Hells Kitchen) Fort Tryon (Hudson Heights) Lincoln Square (Lincoln Square) Bialystoker (Lower East Side) City Congregation for Humanistic Judaism (Lower East Side) Chasam Sopher (Lower E. Side) Eldridge Street (Lower E. Side) Kehila Kedosha Janina (Lower E. Side) Shul of New York (Lower E. Side) Stanton Street (Lower East) Talmud Torah Adereth El (Midtown East) Lab/Shul (Lower W. Side) Beit Simchat Torah (Midtown) Central Synagogue (Midtown) Sutton Place (Midtown) TriBeCa Synagogue (Tribeca) Temple Emanu-El (Upper E. Side) Fifth Avenue (Upper E. Side) Temple Israel (Upper E. Side) Kehilath Jeshurun (Upper E. Side) Or Zarua (Upper E. Side) Park Avenue (Upper E. Side) Park East (Upper E. Side) Edmond J. Safra (Upper E. Side) Shaaray Tefila (Upper E. Side) TUJ (Upper E. Side) Ansche Chesed (Upper W. Side) B'nai Jeshurun (Upper W. Side) Habonim (Upper W. Side) Jewish Center (Upper W. Side) Kol Zimrah (Upper W. Side) Ohab Zedek (Upper W. Side) Ramath Orah (Upper W. Side) Rodeph Sholom (Upper W. Side) Romemu (Upper W. Side) Shaare Zedek (Upper W. Side) Shearith Israel (Upper W. Side) SAJ (Upper W. Side) Stephen Wise (Upper W. Side) Hebrew Tabernacle of Washington Heights K'hal Adath Jeshurun (Washington Hts.) Mount Sinai (Washington Hts.) Queens Center of Israel (Astoria) Etz Hayim (Bayside) Tifereth Israel (Corona) Free Synagogue of Flushing Georgian Jews (Forest Hills) Queens Center (Forest Hills) Rego Park (Rego Park) Beth Emeth (Albany) Beth David (Amenia) Beth Zion (Buffalo) Beth El (Chappaqua) Beth Shalom (Clifton Park) B'nai Israel (Fleischmanns) Hunter (Hunter) Kerhonkson Synagogue (Kerhonkson) Loch Sheldrake Synagogue Agudas Achim (Livingston Manor) Hebrew Congregation (Mountaindale) Jewish Center (Norwich) Beth Israel (Plattsburgh) Kneses Tifereth Israel (Port Chester) B'rith Kodesh (Rochester) Beth Tzedek (Getzville) South Fallsburg Hebrew Association Emanu-El (Staten Island) Anshei Glen Wild (Sullivan Co.) Bikur Cholim B'nai Israel (Swan Lake) Society of Concord (Syracuse) Berith Sholom (Troy) Beth Joseph Synagogue (Tupper Lake) Spring Glen Synagogue (Wawarsing) Ulster Heights Synagogue (Wawarsing) West Point Jewish Chapel Temple Israel (White Plains) B'nai Israel (Woodbourne) Ohave Shalom (Woodridge) Lincoln Park (Yonkers) North Carolina Beth Israel (Asheville) Temple Israel (Charlotte) Temple Israel (Kinston) Emanuel (Statesville) Temple of Israel (Wilmington) North Dakota B'nai Israel (Grand Forks) Ohio Tifereth-Israel (Beachwood) Agudas Achim (Bexley) Golf Manor (Cincinnati) Rockdale (Cincinnati) Wise Temple (Cincinnati) Anshe Chesed Fairmount (Cleveland) Oheb Zedek Cedar Sinai (Cleveland) Park Synagogue (Cleveland) Silver Sanctuary (Cleveland) Temple Israel (Columbus) Temple Israel (Dayton) Beth Israel (Hamilton) B'nai Israel (Toledo) Oklahoma B'nai Israel (Oklahoma City) Temple Israel (Tulsa) Oregon Beth Israel (Eugene) Beth Israel (Portland) Havurah Shalom (Portland) Neveh Shalom (Portland) Shaarie Torah (Portland) Pennsylvania Philadelphia Beit Harambam Temple Beth Zion-Beth Israel B'nai Abraham Frank Memorial Germantown Jewish Centre Keneseth Israel Kesher Israel Mikveh Israel Rodeph Shalom Shivtei Yeshuron-Ezras Israel Society Hill South Philadelphia Shtiebel Vilna Congregation YPC Shari-Eli Beth Israel (Altoona) Beth Israel (Chester Co.) B'nai Shalom (Easton) Anshe Hesed (Erie) Beth Shalom (Elkins Park) Kesher Israel (Harrisburg) Ohev Sholom (Harrisburg) Beth Israel (Honesdale) Beth Israel (Lebanon) Beth Or (Maple Glen) Adath Israel (Merion) B'nai Jacob (Middletown) Har Zion Temple (Penn Valley) Rodef Shalom (Pittsburgh) Tree of Life – Or L'Simcha (Pittsburgh) Kesher Zion (Reading) Beth Israel (Washington) Main Line Reform Temple (Wynnewood) Beth Israel (York) Rhode Island Touro (Newport) Beth-El (Providence) Sons of Jacob (Providence) South Carolina Beth Israel (Beaufort) Beth Elohim (Charleston) House of Peace (Columbia) Beth Israel (Florence) Beth Elohim (Georgetown) Kol Ami (Fort Mill) Sinai (Sumter) Tennessee Adas Israel (Brownsville) Mizpah (Chattanooga) B'nai Israel (Jackson) Baron Hirsch (Memphis) Temple Israel (Memphis) Ohabai Sholom (Nashville) Sherith Israel (Nashville) Texas Agudas Achim (Austin) Beth Israel (Austin) Emanuel (Beaumont) B'nai Abraham (Brenham) Emanu-El (Dallas) Beth Jacob (Galveston) B'nai Israel (Galveston) Beth Israel (Houston) Beth Yeshurun (Houston) Sinai (Houston) Beth-El (San Antonio) Utah B'rith Sholem (Ogden) Kol Ami (Salt Lake City) Vermont Ohavi Zedek (Burlington) Old Ohavi Zedek (Burlington) Rutland Jewish Center Virginia Agudas Achim (Alexandria) Beth El (Alexandria) Beth Israel (Charlottesville) Rodef Shalom (McLean) Sinai (Newport News) Commodore Levy Chapel (Norfolk) Beth Ahabah (Richmond) Kol Emes (Richmond) Beth Israel (Roanoke) Adath Israel (Rutland) House of Israel (Staunton) Beth El (Winchester) Washington Beth Israel (Bellingham) Bikur Cholim Machzikay Hadath (Seattle) Ezra Bessaroth (Seattle) Kavana Cooperative (Seattle) Sephardic Bikur Holim (Seattle) De Hirsch Sinai (Seattle and Belleview) West Virginia Ohev Sholom (Huntington) Shalom (Wheeling) Wisconsin Beth El (Madison) Beth Israel Ner Tamid (Milwaukee) Emanu-El B'ne Jeshurun (River Hills) Wyoming Mt Sinai (Cheyenne) Territories Virgin Islands Oldest U.S. synagogues History Category People US places of worship

---
Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Congregation Rodeph Shalom (Philadelphia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congregation_Rodeph_Shalom_(Philadelphia)) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congregation_Rodeph_Shalom_(Philadelphia)?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.