A Minor Scandal in the Jewish Community

Hi all! Just a minor update. The library was hit by a malware attack. No ransomware, but it destroyed our computer system, This includes our phones since they are tied through our internet. We have been down over a month now, but hope to be back up soon. We in the Genealogy Department have been … Continue reading A Minor Scandal in the Jewish Community →

A Description of a Monroe Wedding in 1888

This is just beautifully described! The descendants of the wedding party still live in Monroe and are members of Temple B'Nai today! The American Israelite (Cincinnati, OH) April 27, 1888, Page P3 MONROE, LA. It is seldom in the history of Monroe that events affecting the interest of Israelitish circles are of sufficient importance to … Continue reading A Description of a Monroe Wedding in 1888 →

Temple B’Nai Israel on Jackson Street

This postcard shows the old Jewish Temple that stood on Jackson Street. The Ten Commandment tablets near the peak of the roof are now housed in the new temple's archives.

Harrison Street

This is a very unique photo, looking straight up Harrison street all the way to Jackson. You can see the Jewish Temple with the ten commandment tablets at the top, with the Rabbi's house next to it. The site is now where Frances Tower sits. You can see the Palace department store on the left. … Continue reading Harrison Street →

The beginning of B’Nai Israel

The first organization of our Jewish congregation has it's roots deep in the Civil War: New Orleans Daily Crescent (New Orleans, LA) August 31, 1861, Page 2 The Louisiana Intelligencer, Monroe, Ouachita parish, says: The Israelites formed a congregation called “Manassas,” in commemoration of the great battle in Virginia, in the town of … Continue reading The beginning of B’Nai Israel →

The First Jewish Temple in Monroe

This building was built by Congregation Manassas as the first Jewish Temple in Monroe. It was located on Jackson Street. In 1914 it was torn down and a new Temple took it's place. The congregation now has a home on Orell Place, which was built in 1961. The ten commandment tablets on the top of … Continue reading The First Jewish Temple in Monroe →