In the beginning . . .

Sharei Chesed - a modern Conservative congregation with a rich history:

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 a new building in St. Louis Park.

The congregations’ early members were the forbearers of many current, prominent Twin Cities’ families.

In 1969, the two congregations merged to form Sharei Chesed.

And the story continues (click here) . . .