Temple Israel

Temple Israel is a synagogue building located on South 7th Street in Lafayette that showcases Rundbogenstil architecture combined with Romanesque Revival features. The structure incorporates traditional Jewish design principles into its overall composition.

The congregation was founded in 1849 by twenty Jewish families under the name Ahavath Achim and later established its building in 1867. The community underwent a name change to Temple Israel in 1919, marking a shift in its identity and mission.

The synagogue has long served as a gathering place where the local Jewish community celebrated holidays and observed religious traditions together. Its presence shaped the identity of Jewish life in the region for generations.

The building is situated on South 7th Street in a convenient location within Lafayette that is accessible on foot. Visitors should contact ahead to arrange access, as the structure is now used for different purposes and visitor hours may be limited.

After being deconsecrated in 1969, the building found new purpose serving the Red Cross and then housed a Unitarian Universalist congregation until 2007. This transformation shows how historic structures adapt to community needs across different eras.