Save Temple Mishkan Israel - Selma, Alabama

There are four remaining active members of Temple Mishkan Israel in Selma, Alabama.  And they have a dream--to ensure that the story of the Jewish legacy of Selma, as well as the role of the Jewish community in Civil Rights, continues to be told for generations to come. 

They call themselves the "temple family" and they care for each other as well as the beautiful temple building.

Charles - his family escaped the Holocaust, Korean War tank commander, and someone that others describe as "the nicest guy you'll ever meet"

Joanie - a retired businesswoman, world traveler, and amazing hostess

Hanna - a lifelong learner, teacher, and the daughter of refugees of Nazi Germany

Ronnie - a retired businessman, born and raised in Selma, community volunteer, and the temple's president

And that's Amy in the middle of the picture, a Jewish Studies professor who is writing a book about Temple Mishkan Israel. Although she's not a Selma native, she considers Selma her second-home and deeply cares about the temple family.

So what can you do to help? Help us restore the building for future generations to worship and learn about the Jewish story of Selma, allowing us to fulfill the dream of the Temple Family!



Temple Mishkan Israel has stood as a stunning edifice on Broad Street in Selma, Alabama for over 120 years. This beautiful historic building, included on the National Register of Historic Places, bears witness to the long history of Jews in Selma. Visitors and tourists are changed when they visit the building and hear our story, recommitting themselves to social justice, peace, and their heritage.

The future of Temple Mishkan Israel includes both worship space and a museum about the community. Before this educational project can be fully implemented, it is critical to first update the structure. This historic building needs a new roof, to update the knob and tube wiring, and foundation repairs (all of which are original to 1899!) Upon the completion of these structural updates, our building will be ready to take the next steps towards our future--including creating a museum to educate visitors about the role that Selma's Jewish community had in building our city, participating in the Civil Rights movement, and supporting our neighbors. 

Will you join us please in securing a legacy for Temple Mishkan Israel? Any donation you give will go directly to repairing and maintaining this beautiful structure, ensuring that we can continue to tell the story of the Jews of Selma, Alabama for generations to come. Thank you!