Ahavath Torah (Stoughton, Massachusetts)
Conservative synagogue
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Ahavath Torah is a Conservative synagogue located at 1179 Central Street, Stoughton, Massachusetts, in the United States. Formed as a merger of two older congregations founded in the 1890s,[1] it is the oldest synagogue in Stoughton.[2]
| Ahavath Torah | |
|---|---|
| |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Conservative Judaism |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Synagogue |
| Leadership | Rabbi Jonathan Hausman |
| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | 1179 Central Street, Stoughton, Massachusetts |
| Country | United States |
  Location in Massachusetts | |
| Coordinates | 42°08′06″N 71°06′29″W |
| Architecture | |
| Established |
|
| Completed | 1970 |
| Website | |
| atorah | |
History
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]
Overview
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[update], the rabbi is Jonathan Hausman.