History Isaac M. Wise Temple

early 20th century photo

in 1840, group of german jewish immigrants in cincinnati organized separate congregation, k.k. b nai yeshurun, breaking away existing congregation, k. k. bene israel. first place of worship in home on third street, between sycamore , broadway. in 1841 congregation purchased , renovated use house of worship federal-style, brick, four-story row house on lodge street.

the congregation built first synagogue in 1848 on lodge street in gothic revival style. lodge street synagogue dedicated on september 22, 1848 in cincinnati, ohio. can seen here:

the congregation voted in 1853 engage rabbi isaac mayer wise spiritual leader; congregation built plum street temple beginning in 1865. prior civil war, 200 families of k. k. b nai yeshurun (isaac m. wise temple) envisioned magnificent building house growing twenty-year-old congregation had gained national prominence because of rabbi, isaac mayer wise. energy , vision, congregation , cincinnati fast becoming center of national jewish life. plum street temple built chiefly during civil war, @ cost of $275,000. plum street temple dedicated on friday, august 24, 1866. original ledger book entries of specific costs entailed in construction of plum street temple found in 21st century.

in 1972 sally priesand became america s first female rabbi ordained rabbinical seminary, , second formally ordained female rabbi in jewish history, after regina jonas of germany in 1935. priesand ordained @ plum street temple.

in 1972, plum street temple listed on national register of historic places.

postcard of st. paul episcopal cathedral (razed 1937) , plum street temple



isaac m. wise, rabbi of plum street temple