This history was submitted to the archived USGenWeb Project by Jane Norton Powell in 2005.  No copyright infringement is intended.  Click here to view the original item.

Note:  The TNGenWeb Project does not condone use of culturally insensitive language.  In the text below, certain antiquated terms remain for context.

The reformed Jewish temple began in 1867 in the home of Jacob and Karoline Felsanthal. A room in their home was set apart to house the Torah brought from Germany by Joe Sternberger. In the following years some 30 families of Jewish people settled in Brownsville. Among them were: Ankor, Greenwall, Rothschild, Felsenthal, Sternberger, Levi, Tamm and Levy.

By 1882 the congregation was too large to meet in a home and a wooden temple was built on the corner of Washington and College, housing the Torah in its rightful place in the Ark. Temple Adas Israel is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Under the leadership of Abe Sternberger, the building was brick veneered in 1920, the rosturm enlarged, new organ purchased and new pews installed. The “Star of David” was set in concrete above the entrance and members made memorial gifts in the form of beautiful stained glass windows, a perpetual lamp, and tablet of stone representing the ten commandments. All are still intact.

Lay-rabbi and Leaders:

• Isaac Levi, 1867
• Emil Tamm, 1869-1907
• Abe Sternberger
• Morton Felsenthal, 1936-1983
• Fred Silverstein, Jr, 1988 (great grandson of Emil Tamm)