Temple Shalom

Temple Shalom is one of the oldest active synagogues in Louisiana, and it has achieved historic significance far beyond its architectural merit. In the early 1800s, people of the Jewish faith began to emigrate in from Europe and Eastern Europe to Vermilionville. They found a warm, friendly atmosphere of opportunity for their skills, products, and services in a growing, Frenchspeaking town. The congregation, Rodeph Shalom, was founded in 1869 and has worshiped at the 603 Lee Avenue location since 1889. Due to the generosity of the congregation, the building also served as a temporary location for Baptist services between 1902 and 1910. Charter members of the 1889 temple were Lafayette’s most prominent Jewish citizens, Leon Plonsky, Lazarus Levy, Benjamin Falk, Solomon Wise, Joseph Wise, Abraham Haas, Hyman Lieberman, and Mervine Kahn. In addition to its cultural significance, the building retains a significant portion of its original architecture, and the Modern style addition, designed in 1973 by Meleton Pierce Architects, has achieved historic significance as well. Lafayette’s Jewish population is responsible for a considerable number of philanthropic achievements that have left unquestionable positive impacts on Lafayette.