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Washington Synagogue Reconsecrated

August 17, 1973
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The Adas Israel Synagogue in downtown Washington, now a national historic landmark, was reconsecrated yesterday afternoon with a mincha service by Rabbi Stanley Rabinowitz, Cantor Donald Robert and about 200 members and friends of the present Adas Israel Congregation.

The two-story brick structure, consecrated in 1876 in the presence of President Grant, his son and several members of his Cabinet, is being restored by the Jewish Historical Society of Greater Washington. The building, the first synagogue structure in Washington with a scatting capacity of 150 men and 100 women, was marked for demolition in the construction of Washington’s subway system when it was rescued by the Historical Society.

Henry Brylawski, a leader in the organization, arranged to have it moved three blocks away and put on a new foundation. The Society is seeking to convert the building into a Jewish museum and a library in time for the national bicentennial celebration in 1976 when the brick structure and its wooden interior itself will be 100 years old.

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