Bet Ahabah Synagogue

The second surprise of the day was my visit to the Bet Ahabah museum and synagogue. I was greeted by Amy, a 4th (at least) generation member of the synagogue, who introduced me to the  rooms of exhibits in a separate building that included Civil War Life and 'the Other Side of the Curtain' about the Jews from the Soviet Union who settled in Richmond.

Then we wound our way to the sanctuary, which has never been changed since it was built in the late 1870s, except for some painting and addition of steps to the bimah. Stunning stained glass windows around the sides on the first floor and in the overflow balcony sparkle with dedication, one even a signed Tiffany. The synagogue was built in the era of massive organs and large choirs, so although the organ is not functional, it is prominent in the room above the ark.

And in the ark, 6 magnificently dressed Torah scrolls, one a Holocaust Torah.

A visit that I thought would be 30 minutes extended to 90 or so, a private tour and a better sense of the life of Richmond Jews as a strong committed community of Reform, Orthodox and Conservative Jews.

Next trip I will visit the cemetery!