Moving to the South as a teenager was difficult for Meryl Alalof, who found solace and strength in the Congregation Children of Israel on Walton Way, calling it her “best friend.”
“It means so very, very much to me,” said Alalof, who chaired the temple’s 175th anniversary events that culminated in a Havdalah service Saturday.
Representatives from other Jewish houses of worship, Christian churches and a member of the Islamic society attended the special event which marks the end of the Sabbath and marks the start of a new week.
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It was marked with music, poems and words from attendees, including Alalof who has been a member since 1960.
The first Jewish settler to the Augusta area was Isaac Hendricks, who arrived with his family in 1802. The first Reform Jewish temple was built on Telfair Street in 1869. It’s now the home of the Augusta Jewish Museum.
The Jewish community used the facility as a house of worship until 1950. Before the structure on Walton Way was built, members used Trinity On the Hill United Methodist Church. Ground was broken on June 14, 1950, and the building was dedicated 18 months later, according to the history in the celebration program.
The current building was dedicated 55 years ago on March 17, 1967.
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While the evening marked a celebration, Rabbi Shai Beloosesky also lit candles to remember those of the congregation who’d died, and he also asked for prayer for those in Ukraine as well as the Russians who were suffering because of their government’s actions.
“We are together Jews and non-Jews. We believe in one God,” he said. “We all pray to the same God.”
U.S. Rep. Rick Allen (R-Ga.) was one of the dignitaries on the night. He said he’d known Beloosesky since he’d become the temple’s rabbi seven years ago and even joked with him that his Southern accent was improving.
“This congregation has played a vital role in our community for 175 years,” he said.
And he looked forward to it playing a vital role well into the future.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the managing editor of The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com
