REPLAYS OF SELECTED EVENTS
centennial celebration weekend (march 4-6th)
Thank you to everyone that made our Centennial Celebration Weekend (March 4-6th) a big success.
It was a great weekend with well over 100 people participating, including many descendants of early Aiken Jewish families that traveled to Aiken from across the US for these festivities. There was also a strong contingent of local members and friends of the Synagogue that participated. And we were joined at several events by local and statewide civic leaders – who turned out to show their support for the Aiken Jewish community.
For those that could not be with us, below are links to watch and/or listen to some of the events over the weekend:
Panel Discussion: Memories of the Synagogue and of living Jewish in Aiken. Participants in this panel were Phil Gaeser, Sondra Katzenstein, Aaron Surasky, Linda Taylor & Alan Brooks. The panel was moderated by Ernie Levinson
Rabbi Mark Sameth: Memories of Aiken. Mark Sameth was a student Rabbi at the Adath Yeshurun Synagogue for 3 years in the 1990s (including at the time of the 75th anniversary) and shares memories of his time in Aiken
2022 Centennial Celebration Events
In-person celebrations of the Centennial of the Adath Yeshurun Synagogue have been rescheduled to 2022. We are encouraged by the interest generated by our virtual programming last year and look forward sharing the story of the Aiken Jewish community with more people this year. At the same time, we recognize the ongoing health risks from the Covid pandemic and we are taking steps to assure these events are as safe a possible.
Below is information on the events planned along with information on how you can participate:
MARCH - MAY: “A SOURCE OF LIGHT” EXHIBIT
AIKEN COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM
433 Newberry Street SW
Aiken, SC 29801
(803) 642-2015
Tuesday - Sunday: 10AM – 4PM
Closed Mondays
The “A Source of Light” Exhibit at the Aiken County Historical Museum will be open from March - May of 2022.
The Exhibit shares the story of the Aiken Jewish community from the mid 1800s to today, with a particular focus on the role and contribution of Jewish Merchants & their families to civic life here in Aiken & beyond. The Exhibit uses archival photos, newspaper articles/advertisements & other artifacts as well as via digital displays that allow a "deeper dive" into family histories and store locations/descriptions.
There is also a self-guided walking tour of Jewish sites of interest in downtown Aiken. A brochure outlining this tour is available at the Museum and uses QR codes at each stop to link to information on this web site.
MARCH 4-6th: CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION WEEKEND
AIKEN, SC
We are planning a special Centennial Celebration Weekend from March 4-6, 2022 to celebrate the past, present and future of the Aiken Jewish community. Highlights include an opening reception for the “A Source of Light” Exhibit at the Aiken County Historical Museum as well as the installation of a new historic marker on Laurens St putting a spotlight on the contributions of Aiken’s Jewish Merchants.
Many descendants of early Aiken Jewish families as well as former Synagogue members living elsewhere are planning to travel to Aiken for these events. The weekend provides an opportunity to celebrate our 100th anniversary with people who share an interest in and connection to the Aiken Jewish community.
Click here for more information on the program of events as well as on how to register.
March 7th & March 14th
100 Years of Adath Yeshurun Synagogue
center for lifelong learning
USC Aiken
Registration is now open for a new course this Spring at the Center for Lifelong Learning at USC Aiken covering the history and contributions of the Aiken Jewish community.
The course will be held over 2 sessions -- March 7th & March 14th from 2:00 - 3:00. The link below takes you to the USC Aiken CLL website which includes information on how to register:
The timing of this course coincides with the opening of the "A Source of Light" Exhibit at the Aiken County Historical Museum. The course will share content from the Exhibit (as well as from the virtual events held last year) and will also allow time for Q&A -- so attendees can explore their areas of interest.