Adas Israel Synagogue: This historic synagogue has been moved three times, ensuring its long-term preservation.
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During its early years, the Adas Israel Congregation, composed of 35 families, met and worshiped in the homes of its members or in rented quarters. On August 16, 1870, the congregation's trustees, recorded in the deed as Manasses Oppenheimer, L. Abraham Nathan Gotthelf, and Leopold Oppenheimer, purchased the property at 6th and G streets NW. Construction of the synagogue began in 1873. Max Kleinman was the draughtsman and J. William and Company the contractor. The dedication ceremony on June 9, 1876 was attended by President Ulysses S. Grant and other federal and civic officials.
The building itself is 2 stories, brick with gable roof, cantilevered wooden apse, cylindrical cupola, and tall unevenly spaced windows. The main interior on the 2nd floor includes original Ark of the Law.
The building was in continual use as a synagogue until 1907, when Adas Israel moved to larger quarters at 6th and I streets NW. The property was sold to Steven Gatti in 1905 and remained in the Gatti family until 1968. After Adas Israel moved out, the building was used as the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Sophia (now on Massachusetts Avenue) and then by the evangelical Church of God.
In 1969, thanks to the Jewish Historical Society, the historic synagogue was moved for the first time, down the street to 3rd and G streets NW. In 2016 and again in 2019, it was moved and is now located at 3rd and F streets NW. The historic building is now incorporated into new construction as part of the the Lillian & Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum.
DC Inventory: March 7, 1968 (Joint Committee on Landmarks)
National Register: March 24, 1969
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At its current location, 3rd and F streets NW.
Source: Zachary Burt. | Date: August 2020.
During the 2019 move.
Source: Zachary Burt. | Date: February 2019.
Historic Adas Israel Synagogue
This photo shows the synagogue around 1905, at its original location at Sixth and G Streets, NW. The large Pension Building (today's National Building Museum), built in 1886, is one block away. The Capitol and Library of Congress are in the background.
This 1903 Washington Times photograph is the only known image of the sanctuary during the time the synagogue was used by Adas Israel.
After extensive restoration, the building was rededicated as the Lillian & Albert Small Jewish Museum in 1975 and has been stewarded by the Jewish Historical Society of Greater Washington since then.
