Jackson's Jewish History

Jackson’s Jewish History

       September 23, 2025 is the Gregorian Calendar counterpart to the Jewish calendar date Tishrei 5786. Rosh Hashanah is the first day of the Jewish New Year, which inspires reflection on the rich Jewish history of Jackson.
        A Chronology of Jews in Jackson by Joseph Wahl, M.D. states that J. Friedlob came to Jackson in the 1860s and was most likely the first Jew in Jackson. This interesting resource is a study of Jackson City Directories and historical notes from the local Jewish community.  The booklet further states that in 1885, a charter was signed for a local temple, named Congregation B’Nai Israel. At first the congregation met in the homes of members. Later they met in the upstairs space above Sol Tuchfeld’s store, on Market Street (now Highland.)

      The above invitation to the dedication of Temple B’Nai Israel, October 25, 1897 shows the year as 5658. The invitation is from the Seale Johnson Collection.  

      The congregation purchased the building on E. College Street that had been the former meeting place of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church (now the Aeneas Building.) Eventually, a synagogue was built at 401 W. Grand.
     Over the decades, many names from the congregation became familiar to all Jacksonians as successful businessmen and businesswomen, medical professionals, and community leaders.

        This Kisber’s Department Store photo was submitted by Jonas Kisber, Jr. for Pictorial Madison by Williams, Carter, & Smothers. (The Roundabout at Highland & Deadrick was dedicated to Jonas Kisber, Jr. on April 4, 2019.) 

      Tennessee Room’s resources on local Jewish history include the Sam Baum Manuscripts, A Chronology of Jews in Jackson, Tennessee by Joseph Wahl, M.D., Jackson City Directories, and factsheets complied by the Lambuth B’Nai Israel Center for Jewish Studies.