Temple Shalom

Temple Shalom is an egalitarian conservative synagogue on 287 Lafayette St.

Founded in 1898, as Congregation Sons of Jacob, it is the oldest established synagogue on the north shore. One of the synagogue's earlier locations was on the corner of Essex and Herbert Streets.

The synagogue was founded by Easter European Jewish merchants including the Filene family, which went on to start Filene's department stores.

The congregation moved to Lafayette Street in 1952 and built Temple Shalom.

In 2013, the congregation is facing declining numbers and they took a financial hit when the basement flooded and had to be rebuilt. They are contemplating merging with another synagogue in the area or selling their building.

It was announced in July of 2014 that the synagogue would be shutting it doors. Temple Shalom will sell its property and merge with Temple B'nai Abraham in Beverly.

See Also

• Salem temple considering merger Salem News, Aug. 14, 2013

• Jewish Community of the North Shore by Alan S. Pierce and Avrom J. Herbster, p. 56.

• "Another synagogue to close and merge its congregation" Boston Globe, July 31, 2014 p. N21