SHAREI CHESED SYNAGOGUE
2734 Rhode Island Ave.

In 1993, Sharei Chesed was described as “traditional” – somewhere between Orthodox and Conservative.

As provided by the Congregation:

The current Sharei Chesed Congregation, through the establishment of its two predecessor synagogues, Sharei Tzedek and Gemelus Chesed, traces its roots back to 1906. The organization that year of Sharei Tzedek, located at 8th and Bryant, was the culmination of a dream and need shared by many Eastern European Orthodox Jews who fled their homelands and immigrated to Minnesota in the early 1900s. They found their way to North Minneapolis and weaved their way into the social and business fabric of the community.

Gemelus Chesed, formally registered in 1914 - but founded earlier - was one of a number of combination-type fraternal societies which loaned money, administered relief and provided religious services for the growing influx of immigrants. It was located originally on Eighth and Girard, then moved to Logan Avenue before building its current edifice in St. Louis Park. [The building was built in 1965 by the Gemelus Chesed Benevolent Society.]

The congregations' early members were the forebears of many current, prominent Twin Cities' families.

In 1969, Gemelus Chesed and Sharei Zedek merged to form Sharei Chesed, which means “Gates of Kindness.”

Early spiritual leadership of the congregation rested in the devoted and capable hands of two legendary figures of the Orthodox Jewish community. Rabbi S.I. Levin served the Congregations Sharei Tzedek and Sharei Chesed for more than 63 years. He was the highly respected dean of Minneapolis Orthodox rabbis until his death in 1984. A prolific writer in scholarly Hebrew journals, he was one of the founders of the Minneapolis Federation and the Jewish Family and Children's Service.

For 54 years, Rabbi George S. Sektor guided Gemelus Chesed and the merged Sharei Chesed Congregation until his death in 1988. He was a great Talmudic scholar, a trained mohel and a shohet. In 1965, under his zestful leadership, the congregation built and dedicated our current facility - the first Orthodox synagogue in St. Louis Park. He is remembered warmly for his fulfillment of the meaning of "Gemilut Hesed" through his contributions to many Jewish institutions of learning and various homes for orphans.

2005







 

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This information comes from a variety of sources: newspapers, books, yearbooks, phone directories, interviews, etc. Given the varied sources, we cannot guarantee that all of this information is correct, and welcome any additions and corrections. Please contact us with your contributions and comments.