Ahavath Beth Israel, Reform synagogue in Boise, Idaho, United States
Ahavath Beth Israel is a wood-shingled synagogue at 11 North Latah Street in Boise, built in 1896. Its exterior is mainly Rundbogenstil, with tall Horseshoe arches flanking a large rose window. Inside, horseshoe arches support a barrel-vaulted ceiling; the architect called the design modern Moorish.
The synagogue was built in 1896 and ranks among the oldest continuously active Jewish houses of worship west of the Mississippi River. Its founding marked an important moment for the Jewish community in the region.
The name combines two Hebrew phrases: Beth Israel ("House of Israel") from the 1895 Reform congregation and Ahavath Israel ("Love of Israel") from the Orthodox group founded in 1912 by Eastern European immigrants, merged in 1986. The congregation belongs to the Union for Reform Judaism, and its lending library holds Joel Stone's memoir of Ahavath Israel.
The building is located on North Latah Street and was moved from its original position in 2003 for preservation purposes. Visitors should understand this is an active place of worship and respect for services is important.
Moses Alexander, an early member, became both mayor of Boise and governor of Idaho. His prominence shows how firmly Jewish leaders had established themselves in city affairs.
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