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Historic Jewish Temple still active in Alpena

Courtesy Photo Temple Beth-El’s nearly 100-year-old stained glass windows are seen at the historic synagogue, located at 125 White St. in Alpena.

ALPENA — Temple Beth-El stands as a cherished symbol of faith and community. Established in 1889, this historic synagogue has been a cornerstone of Jewish life in the region for over a century, earning its place as one of the few remaining 19th-century synagogues in the United States. Though the temple has such historic roots, not many people know about its existence, due to Jewish people not often going out of their way to promote their religion and culture.

Temple Beth-El’s story began during a wave of Jewish immigration to America. Officially incorporated in 1891, it became a sanctuary for worship and a hub for community gatherings. The synagogue’s design, featuring stunning stained-glass windows, reflects both simplicity and a timeless beauty that continues to captivate visitors. Over the years, these windows and the building itself have become powerful symbols of the congregation’s resilience and dedication to preserving their heritage.

While Alpena’s Jewish population is small, Temple Beth-El remains an active and welcoming place of worship. The synagogue is non-denominational, embracing individuals and families from all walks of life. Though it doesn’t have a resident rabbi, visiting clergy often lead services, ensuring the spiritual needs of the community are met. Temple Beth-El also participates in L’Dor v’Dor, a network of six congregations from Northern Michigan and Ontario. This collaboration fosters connections, shares resources, and creates opportunities for joint events that strengthen ties within the Jewish community.

I had the pleasure of getting to know this great temple and its president, Ken Diamond. Ken has been the president of the temple since May of 2020. Though they haven’t suffered with any major issues, recognition remains one of their biggest obstacles, with many Alpena residents not being aware of its existence. The temple welcomes all people, Jewish or non-Jewish, and appreciates willingness to learn and curiosity, as Ken told me, “There are no stupid questions, only stupid answers.”

The preservation of Temple Beth-El is a testament to the commitment of its congregation and supporters. Recent restoration projects have focused on maintaining its historic stained-glass windows, ensuring this vibrant piece of Alpena’s history remains intact for generations to come.

The synagogue is closely tied to the Hebrew Benevolent Society Cemetery, which serves as the final resting place for many of Alpena’s early Jewish settlers. Together, they offer a profound glimpse into the region’s Jewish heritage.

For more information about Temple Beth-El, its services, or how you can support its preservation, visit their website at templebethelalpena.org.

About the author

Davit Barbakadze is from the country of Georgia, Tbilisi. He is currently doing an exchange year in Alpena High School. His exchange program is called FLEX and he is currently under the management of ASSE.

“I was asked by my program to do a project on religious diversity and saw that the temple was getting little to no recognition from the town, so I’m hoping to help Temple Beth-El while also doing my due diligence,” Barbakadze said. “There’s a lot of misconceptions and stereotypes regarding the people of Jewish faith and the Jewish people. I’m hoping to help raise awareness about those misconceptions and spread the truth instead.”

Reach Barbakadze via email at Davit.Barbakadze13@gmail.com.

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