Page 88 - Demo

86The Synagogue hen Lynn and I first spotted the retired red-brick synagogue, we were struck by its distinctivestyle%u2014the round-top windows, the pyramidal finials, the Hebrew lettering across the top of the fa%u00e7ade. We just knew it would have interesting interior. But, it was late in the day, and we doubted if there would be anyone around with a key.After returning home, I did some research and learned that ground had been broken for the Sons of Israel Synagogue (the oldest in South Bend) back in 1901. At that time, it was in a bustling Jewish neighborhood of single-family homes and kosher butcher shops and bakeries. Then, as the area evolved from residential, to industrial, to urban decay, members began moving to the suburbs. Originally an Orthodox congregation, it was renamed B%u2019Nai Yisrael and became Reconstructionist in the early 1980s. No matter. It soon became obvious that closing was inevitable. After the last service was held in 1991, a number of caring, local Jewish citizens took on the task of finding a buyer for their beautiful old synagogue. But, after about a decade of trying%u2014and failing%u2014they decided to donate it to the Historic Landmarks Foundation. Then, not too very long after the transfer, an individual purchased the property, with plans to turn it into a private home. However, it was not to be. After all, it wasn%u2019t in a residential neighborhood anymore. In fact, it was just beyond the left-field wall of the Coveleski Regional Stadium. When I learned the City of South Bend had recently bought the building, I phoned City Planner Bill Schalliol and asked permission to photograph the inside. %u201cNo problem,%u201d he said, %u201cJust stop by our office and you can borrow the key.%u201d Which I did. As special as Lynn and I thought the exterior was, the interior was even more impressive%u2014just as we%u2019d suspected. I walked around and stared for a while, before finally setting up my camera and tripod. As I did so, I saw how some parts of the structure had been carefully restored, but there was still work to be done. What did the future hold?When I returned the key, Bill told me there were not yet any firm plans for the old building%u2014but the city hoped it would be made into something like a community center or recital hall%u2014perhaps it might even be a house of worship again. There was also talk of moving it to a more suitable location. In any case, it will definitely be saved. That pleases me, because it%u2019s truly an architectural jewel that deserves to be treasured for generations to come.Sons of Israel Synagogue, 1901%u2014South Bend, St. Joseph Co. (928.01)Sons of Israel Synagogue, 1901%u2014South Bend, St. Joseph Co. (928.02)W