10/23/2026
It's hard to believe the demolition of this irreplaceable building is happening today in 2026. The Boulevard (Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church) is the current owner and is responsible for the destruction of this historically significant example of Memphis religious architecture. There had to be a way to reuse this stunning building. It's truly criminal, imho.
From thisismemphis.co:
"Temple Israel is one of the most important religious institutions in Memphis history. Founded in the 1850s by a small group of Jewish families, the congregation grew from modest beginnings into the oldest and largest Jewish congregation in Tennessee and one of the defining voices of Reform Judaism in the South.
Its story is also tied to one of the city’s most recognizable historic buildings: the former Children of Israel synagogue at 1247 Poplar Avenue. Built in 1916, the Byzantine-style structure was designed by Walk C. Jones Sr. and Max Furbringer, with domed towers, a large arched window, and a sanctuary that reportedly seated 1,200 people.
For decades, that building was home to Temple Israel. It was where generations of Memphis Jews worshiped, learned, gathered, and helped shape the civic life of the city. The building included religious school classrooms, an auditorium, and a prominent inscription from Leviticus over the entrance: “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”
That line matters because Temple Israel’s history was never only about worship. It was also about public life."
Follow the link for more:
https://thisismemphis.co/2026/04/24/temple-israel-memphis-history-rabbi-james-wax/
