Temple Mishkan Israel, Selma Travel Guide

Discover Temple Mishkan Israel in Selma, AL: a historic synagogue, a monument to Jewish heritage, and a landmark of Civil Rights history.

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Temple Mishkan Israel

Temple Mishkan Israel, located in Selma, Alabama, is a historic synagogue built in 1899 in Romanesque Revival style. It stands as a monument to the Jewish community's contributions to Selma and the Deep South, particularly during the Civil Rights Movement.

A brief summary to Temple Mishkan Israel

503 Broad St, Selma, Alabama, 36701, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Temple Mishkan Israel.

Consider contacting the Selma Temple in advance to schedule a tour and learn more about the temple's history and preservation efforts.
Explore other historical sites in Selma, such as the Edmund Pettus Bridge and the National Voting Rights Museum, to gain a deeper understanding of the city's role in the Civil Rights Movement.
Take your time to admire the Temple's architecture, including the Star of David stained glass window and the Romanesque Revival design elements.

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Explore Temple Mishkan Israel on the Map

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Getting There

Walking

Temple Mishkan Israel is located at 503 Broad Street in downtown Selma. From the Selma Public Library at 1103 Selma Ave, walk south toward Broad Street, turn left onto Broad Street and continue for about half a mile. The Temple will be on your right.
Public Transport

The Selma-Dallas County Public Transportation System provides bus service throughout the city. Check the local bus schedule and board a bus that heads towards Broad Street. Get off at the stop closest to 503 Broad St, near the intersection of Broad Street and Alabama Ave. From there, it's a short walk to Temple Mishkan Israel. Bus fares are typically around $1.25 per ride.
Taxi/Ride-share

Taxis are available in Selma for door-to-door service. A short taxi or ride-share trip within downtown Selma should cost approximately $5 - $10, depending on the distance and company.

Discover more about Temple Mishkan Israel

Temple Mishkan Israel, situated in the heart of Selma, Alabama, is a significant landmark that reflects the rich history and enduring spirit of the Jewish community in the region. Established in 1870, Congregation Mishkan Israel initially gathered in private residences before constructing this permanent temple, which was completed in December 1899 and dedicated in February 1900.The temple's architecture is a striking example of Romanesque Revival design, featuring symmetrical towers and a raised octagonal roofed sanctuary. A prominent Star of David adorns the stained glass window above the arched entry, symbolizing the congregation's identity and presence in the community. Inside, the sanctuary evokes a sense of peace and history, offering visitors a space for reflection.Throughout the late 19th and most of the 20th centuries, Jewish merchants played a vital role in Selma's economic growth, with names like Teppers, Kaysers, and Rothchilds dominating downtown businesses. Members of the congregation were also actively involved in local government, with three Selma mayors hailing from Mishkan Israel.While the Jewish population in Selma has dwindled since its peak in the 1940s, Temple Mishkan Israel remains a monument to their legacy. Today, special services are still held in the temple, and efforts are underway to preserve the building and create a museum honoring Selma's Jewish heritage. The Selma Temple was founded as a non-profit organization seeking to restore the Temple Mishkan Israel building, preserve and share stories of the Jewish experience in Selma and the Deep South, and merge the congregation's past with the present needs of its home city.