Established 1873
Jews first began arriving in Utah around 1854, though it is known that a number
of converted Jews were among the Mormons who began settling in Utah in 1847.
Before a permanent congregation was founded in Salt Lake City in 1873, Jewish
religious services were held beginning sometime in 1864. The oldest existing
Jewish congregation in Utah is Congregation Kol Ami in Salt Lake City. It came
into being in 1970 through the merger of two historic congregations: B’nai
Israel and Montefiore.
The first congregation, B’nai Israel, was incorporated on March 28, 1881, and
followed the liberal tradition. Their first synagogue was located on 1st West
and 3rd South and was dedicated in 1883. A new and larger building was dedicated
1891 at 249 South 4th East. It is a fine example of Moorish and Romanesque
influenced architecture. This building was occupied until 1976. it has been
restored and is now listed on the Register of Historic Places. Currently it is
the home to an interior design firm.
The second congregation, Montefiore, was officially organized as an Orthodox
congregation on March 22, 1889, though there are some references to a second
congregation in Salt Lake City as early as 1885. Congregation Montefiore
dedicated its synagogue in 1903 at 355 South 3rd East. The structure has twin
towers capped by small domes and is designed in the Moorish Revival style. It
served the congregation until 1976. The building is now used as a church and is
designated a Historical Landmark.
Over the years, there had been talk of a merged congregation, but nothing
materialized when the religious Schools of B’nai Israel and Monefiore
congregations merged. In 1970 a consolidated committee was appointed and in July
of1872, the articles of consolidation were signed. It was decided that the name
of the new congregation was to be Kol Ami, meaning "All of My People.”
Since most of the Jewish community no longer lived near either of the two
synagogue buildings, the search began for a suitable location for the merged
congregation to build a new synagogue. A new contemporary synagogue was built at
2425 East Heritage Way to serve the new consolidated congregation.
Ground Breaking ceremonies were held on September of 1975 and the building was
occupied for the High Holy Day services of 1976. The building contains a
sanctuary, chapel, social hall, classrooms, and a library. Located on a parcel
of land adjacent to beautiful mountains, the building is faced with brown and
tan brick and is an excellent example of contemporary synagogue design.
Current membership of this Reform and Conservative affiliated congregation is
approximately 560 families.
Dr. Robert Conrod contracted Rabbi Sidney Strome to ask if Congregation B’Nai
Israel would be interested in being one of the sponsors of an apartment project
for senior citizens. The response was positive- the synagogue’s Board agreed to
participate and became an important contributor to the realization of Friendship
Manor. Rabbi Stanley Relkin became one of the principals in the construction of
the 16-story housing project for the elderly and disabled persons.
Congregation Kol Ami
2425 Heritage Way SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84109-1809
(801) 484-1501
Telephone:
801-582-3100 ♦ TTY: 711 ♦
Fax: 801-583-0412