History
THE STORY OF TEMPLE B’NAI ISRAEL is a story of newcomers. Jewish families began arriving in the Tupelo area in the 1850s. Their number remained small until the 1930s, when economic growth of Tupelo spurred new migration to the city.
In 1936, the Jewish women around Tupelo organized the Northeast Mississippi Sisterhood. Two years later, the B’nai Brith Men’s Lodge was established. Finally, on August 24, 1939, Temple B’nai Israel was born.
The congregation at first held Friday night services in private homes, and Sunday school classes were taught in Tupelo City Hall. In 1939, the congregation rented space above the Standard Chevrolet building on South Spring Street. That year, a student rabbi from Hebrew Union College came to Tupelo to conduct High Holy Day Services.
A Holy Ark was built in 1945. The first Torah came from the Vine Street Temple in Nashville. Needing more room, in 1953 the congregation moved into bigger space over Biggs Furniture Store. That same year, a second Torah was added.
In 1955, the need for a permanent home for the congregation was clear. Money was raised from throughout the community and the new temple building was designed. The Jewish community in Tupelo would finally have a place where Jewish families could worship and pray, teach and learn, gather and celebrate.
On September 2, 1957, Temple B’Nai Israel was dedicated. The program book for that dedication reflects just how deeply and broadly the congregation of newcomers had established itself in Tupelo. In addition to support from Jewish contributors throughout the South and across the country, non-Jewish individuals, organizations and businesses advertised their good wishes (including an ad for Prairie Belt Bacon from Bryan Bros. Packing).
On In the past fifty years, many are the holy days and Shabbats that have filled Temple B’nai Israel with the words of the Torah, the voices of congregants and the presence of God. There has been simchas – the sweet celebrations of weddings, births, b’nai mitzvahs, confirmations. There have been somber times for the memory of those who have died. There has been learning. There have been friends and food and fun.
From the first days of the congregation, and in the fifty years since this building was dedicated, Temple B’nai Israel has been blessed by the leadership, wisdom and vision of so many. Early leaders such as Morris Gorden, Sol Weiner and Maury Stein set a tradition of skillful management, hard work and compassion that continues today. Thanks to the continuing leadership and generosity of the congregation and its friends, at this moment a major renovation of the Temple is ongoing.
Above the Ark in the Temple hangs the ner tamid, the perpetual light. In the Torah God tells Moses, “You shall further instruct the Israelites to bring you clear oil of beaten olives for lighting, for kindling lamps regularly.” (Exodus 27:20) The Hassidic rabbis comment: “All Jews must light the ner tamid in their own hearts, not only in the Tabernacle. They must light it ‘outside the curtain,’ in the street and market place, in profane activities, in all matters relating to their fellow human beings.”
This is what Temple B’nai Israel is today and will remain for years to come: the home of Jewish life in Northeast Mississippi, and a light to the entire community.
From the 50th Anniversary Rededication Program, November 2007.
WE ARE TOGETHER TODAY not particularly to celebrate the birth of a building 25 years ago — or even a Temple Building per se. The true meaning of our celebration has to do with the development of an idea; the fulfillment of a dream, the work and service of many and to be sure — many miracles were sprinkled in. We are celebrating people and what they did. Only from that point of view do we today celebrate a special building — a Temple — a House of Worship — all the meanings, memories and purposes that surround it — all the flavor and stories its timbers can tell. True to life, the joys are inter-mingled with the sorrows — and the joys are greater — and it has been good.
What is a Jewish person? A Jewish person has many faces, many personalities — and — contrary to popular belief — many different shape noses. This day we especially think of the part of a Jewish person that sincerely sees the need and has the desire for the con¬tinuation of the many meanings of Judaism — for themselves — and as a heritage for their children. . .
A way of life to live by;
A way of thinking to be thoughtful by;
A way of feeling to express our emotions by;
A way of believing to foster our hopes;
A way of praying to be worthy of our blessings.
The dreams here began 44 years ago. They followed closely on the heels of a dream that began 5743 years ago.
This is a time to think back about what was done, not for the sake of reminiscing alone, but to assist us in thinking of what is to be continued and what is yet to be done.
This is a time to honor those who had the determination for a large accomplishment. To be sure not all the decisions made were unanimous, the work has not gone on without disagreements and a variance of viewpoints, but all has been done without malice.
We have survived.
We are surviving.
We shall survive.
Temple B’Nai Israel, this is your life. Temple B’Nai Israel, these people are your life blood. . . those who were here; those who are here; those who could not be present tonight.
Tonight we have talked about early beginnings, early members, early builders of the Temple. We also wish to recognize all of those who have joined our Temple Community since that time and who have made great contributions. You must forgive me for not mentioning each and every name due to our limited time. Please do not be offended but be assured that you are each needed and appreciated.
In a part of the country where Jewishness is little understood, where it is greatly in the minority, as an identity and as a strength for ourselves and for our children, we have needed our Temple B’Nai Israel.
We recognize that we have a commitment to continue this work so that a Temple will be here and available for those who come after us. Let us therefore honor also those who follow.
Temple B’Nai Israel, it is our bond with the past, our hope for the future.
Sidney Perlmutter, 25th Anniversary Speech, October 1982.
