Home to Many Wonderful Books!
Our Temple Archives, housed in the Frances Shapiro-Weitzenhoffer Archives Room, represents a permanent holding of historic materials chronicling the significant people, places and events of the past century and a half, since the establishment of our congregation by charter in January 1843. We are a founding member of the Reform movement. Our archive, therefore, includes not only material of local interest, but relevant national material significant to the Classical period of Reform Judaism.
Our Archives has many interesting displays, which are changed periodically. Currently we are featuring displays on Classical Reform Judaism, the first 6 buildings and 19 rabbis that made up The Temple, pre-consolidation, Justice Louis D. Brandeis and many items from Brith Sholom’s 2nd & College Temple. Also, we have many Temple artifacts, books, records going back to the early days of Adath Israel and Brith Sholom, and over 80 oral histories. Currently we are in the process of recording personal video histories.
MISSION STATEMENT
The Temple archives represents a permanent holding of historic materials chronicling the significant people, places, and events of the past century and a half, since the establishment of our congregation by charter in 1843. We are a founding member of the Reform movement, our archive will include not only material of local interest but relevant national material significant to the Classical period of Reform Judaism. Included in this collection will be:
1. Information, photographs, recordings, and historic documents relating to the Rabbis and lay leaders who have served our congregation or become prominent in civic affairs.
2. Memorabilia related to the history, events, and people associated with our congregation during its long history of service.
3. Artifacts, documents, and publications of the congregation representing the various periods of our growth and development as a leading congregation in the life of our Louisville community and the Reform movement nationally.
4. Significant examples of the many publications of the congregation from various periods of our history.
5. Significant material chronicling the years of service provided by our ancillary organizations such as Sisterhood, Brotherhood, Religious School, Youth Group, and our scout troop.
6. The genealogical information of our founding families and the oral histories of our oldest members.
7. The scholarly material, awards, and historic artifacts of the many rabbis who have served our congregation over the many years and until today.
8. Books, photographs, pieces of art, films, audio, and video recordings of significance to our congregation and to Reform Judaism.