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Gerim
Synagogue
OUR HISTORY
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​Ahavath Gerim "Love of Strangers" Synagogue was organized in the early 1900's as an alternative to the two existing synagogues at that time, Ohavi Zedek and Chi Adam (now defunct). Formed by the second wave of Eastern European Jews to settle in Burlington, it initially met in a house for decades in the north end of Burlington, once known as "Little Jerusalem" due to its high concentration of immigrant Jews. In the 1950's, the Ohavi Zedek Synagogue (now Ahavath Gerim Synagogue), constructed in 1885, was sold to Ahavath Gerim when Ohavi Zedek moved to its current location on North Prospect Street.
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Over the years, the Ahavath Gerim Synagogue continued as a Modern Orthodox shul in Burlington, being the only such congregation as Ohavi Zedek had made the transition to Conservative Judaism under Rabbi Max Wall. Due to shifting demographics, however, the membership of Ahavath Gerim dwindled. In the 1980's, a short-lived merger existed between Chabad and Ahavath Gerim. However, Chabad eventually moved out and established its own shul in Burlington.
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For several years, AG did not have an active congregation, but rather existed only as the Chevra Kaddisha (Burial Society) and Cemetery. In the 1990's, a new congregation known as Beth Yishra Conservative Synagogue was organized, which met in the Ahavath Gerim Synagogue. This congregation eventually went defunct in the mid-2000s. Around five years ago, a new egalitarian minyan using the name Ahavath Gerim began to hold services once again. Today, the congregation consists of an active minyan with a Chevra Kaddisha, Cemetery, and approximately 50 member families. A massive renovation is currently underway to restore the historic building. Already, more than $200,000 has been donated, which has resulted in a newly restored and beautified sanctuary.
Ahavath