Spring Hill Avenue Temple-Reform

The first permanent Jewish presence in Mobile can be documented back to 1763. Most of these early Jews were merchants and traders, having moved to Mobile after the French lost their North American lands to Great Britain in the Treaty of Paris.
Congregation Sha’arai Shomayim is the oldest Jewish congregation in the state of Alabama and one of the oldest Reform Jewish congregations in the United States. The Congregation was formally organized in 1844 and is now better known as the Springhill Avenue Temple.
The last time I was in Mobile, my business trip had me here for 3 straight weeks. So on the first Friday night here, going to Shul here sounded like a great idea. And like my Father, I love visiting historical institutions and marveling at their longevity. The folks here were friendly and welcoming, the neighbourhood was gentile, and their was nothing like a little spirituality to end the week and begin the next one.