Portsmouth, Ohio's Jewish History
Explore the history of the Beneh Abraham Jewish congregation of Portsmouth, Ohio, what is recognized as the third oldest Jewish community in Ohio. Learn how Beneh Abraham was formed in the late 1850s and discover its contributions to the development of the City of Portsmouth.
This tour visits explores the Jewish community's history through visiting the locations of the congregation's historic places of worship, along with the Hebrew Section of Greenlawn Cemetery. Complete the tour in person or virtually using the Scioto Historical mobile app and website.
Discover Beneh Abraham's first location of worship in person. Visit the southeast corner of Third and Washington. Located within what was then known as the Masonic Building, the Beneh Abraham congregation began holding religious services there in the early 1850s.
Explore the history of Beneh Abraham's and Portsmouth's Jewish community's growth in early twentieth century, which led to the construction of their second place of worship at the corner of 8th and Gay streets in 1923.
Follow the evolution of the Beneh Abraham congregation in the second half of twentieth century and the construction of their third and current place of worship, at the northwest corner of Second and Union streets.
Finish the tour at the historic Greenlawn Cemetery to learn more about Portsmouth's Jewish community. Many historic and prominent Jewish families were buried in Greenlawn Cemetery's Hebrew section. Finally, consider the impact of the Beneh Abraham congregation on the Portsmouth community and the interfaith community.
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Portsmouth's Early Jewish Community and First Place of Worship
Beneh Abraham, located at the corner of Second and Union Street, is among Ohio's oldest organized Jewish congregations. Beneh Abraham was incorporated in 1858 at a time when the total Jewish population of Portsmouth was estimated to be around 60 people. This initial congregation laid the foundation for a longstanding celebration and appreciation of Jewish history in Portsmouth. On December 17, 1858, rabbis and Jewish leaders traveled from across Kentucky and Ohio for the dedication of Portsmouth's First Synagogue marking a significant moment in Portsmouth's religious history and that of the Jewish faith in Ohio.
Portsmouth's Second Synagogue and Jewish Life in the Mid-twentieth Century
Following the construction of Portsmouth's first synagogue, Portsmouth's Jewish population expanded further in the early 20th century. The Jewish community created a new organization called the B'nai B'rith and sought out additional locations to practice. The Beneh Abraham's previous location could no longer support its growing community, another synagogue was needed.
Portsmouth’s Third Synagogue and Contemporary Jewish Community
By 1974, Portsmouth’s Jewish community numbered no more than 120 people. The existing syngaogue at Eighth and Gay grew increasingly expensive to maintain and its size no longer fit the needs of the…
Greenlawn Cemetery Hebrew Section
The Hebrew Section of Greenlawn Cemetery in Portsmouth, Ohio, was established in the early 1850s by members of the Portsmouth Hebrew Benevolent Society and its grounds have served as the final resting…Tour curated by: Austin Reid