Congregation Shivtei Yeshuron Ezras Israel

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Congregation Shivtei Yeshuron-Ezras Israel is an active synagogue located in the Pennsport neighborhood of South Philadelphia. Shivtei Yeshuron moved to its current location in 1909 and had purchased the building by 1917. It is South Philadelphia's oldest continuously active synagogue building and congregation. Religious services are lay led, and the congregation offers cultural events and tours open to the public.Congregation HistoryThe congregation first organized itself in 1876 at 322 Bainbridge Street and chartered itself in 1892 as 'Shivtei Yeshurun. As the population of Jews from Eastern Europe increased in Philadelphia between 1881 and 1924, the Jewish community extended from Society Hill south to Oregon Avenue. The congregation moved to its current location at 2015 South 4th Street, near 4th Street and Snyder Avenue, in 1909. Community craftsman redesigned the interior and the synagogue became an active synagogue along with a meeting place for community beneficial societies and events.Max Karafin came to Philadelphia from Odessa in the 1920s, and served as cantor, conducting services. His wife, Baila Karafin, helped to start the Ladies Auxiliary during the 1930s' Great Depression in support of community members in need.South Philadelphia's urban Jewish community contracted in the years following World War II when many families moved to the suburbs and exurbs. Shivtei Yeshuron survived by virtue of several mergers. In 1961, Shivtei Yeshuron combined with Mishkan Israel and Raim Ahuvim (Anshe Kalker, who held Nusach Sefard). In 1968, Shivtei Yeshuron welcomed the merger of Heisner, and of Congregation Ezras Israel, formerly of Sixth and Cantrell Streets, to become Shivtei Yeshurun - Heisner Ezras Israel. Shivtei Yeshuron Ezras Israel subsequently absorbed the members of six other area synagogues that closed between 1970 and 1983.