B'nai Abraham Synagogue

This red brick synagogue features Romanesque architectural elements including distinctive stone foundations, large stained glass windows, and ornate exterior details that once made it renowned as the most beautiful religious building on the Iron Range.

Dedicated in 1909 as the first purpose-built synagogue on Minnesota's Iron Range, the building served a congregation established in 1905 by Jewish immigrants primarily from the Russian Empire who settled in Virginia due to the booming lumber and mining industries.

The synagogue functioned as the central hub for Jewish religious and community life, hosting Sabbath services, Bar Mitzvahs, weddings, holiday celebrations, and meetings for organizations like B'nai Brith and Hadassah throughout the early to mid-20th century.

Now operating as the B'nai Abraham Museum and Cultural Center, the restored building offers educational programs, exhibitions about Jewish history on the Iron Range, and serves as a venue for community events and cultural activities.

This synagogue holds the distinction of being the first synagogue in Minnesota to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 and remained the last active synagogue on the Iron Range until the 1990s.

Location: Virginia

GPS coordinates: 47.51858,-92.53619

Latest update: July 24, 2025 15:27