also see Sheffield
Jewish History and Photographs [January 2009]
Temple B'nai Israel, 210 Hawthorne Street, Florence, AL 35630. (256) 764-9242. Reform. Congregation Established in 1906, but Jewish presence dates from the 1840s. Photos of 1954 Mid-Century Modern building
1919 Jewish population was 50 according to Directory of Jewish Local Organizations in the United States, pp. 330-583, American Jewish Year Book 5680 September 25,1919 to Sept. 12, 1920; vol. 21, edited by Harry Schneiderman for the American Jewish Committee and submitted by Alan Hirschfeld.
BOOK: "Alabama," UJE 1: 153; and J. A. B. Besson, History of Eufaula. Alabama (Atlanta, 1875)
May have information: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.Brent, Ala or Times Daily This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. See last entry under Claiborne that includes Eufaula information.
Florence has a Jewish community that is alive and well. The congregation, often referred to as "tri-cities" or "Sheffield" in listings. The third city is Tuscumbia (home of Helen Keller), or Muscle Shoals, depending on who you ask. Have not seen cemetery, but I know someone has volunteered to index it for this project. ?Source: Larry Brook, Deep South Jewish Voice, Birmingham, AL. [June 2001]
- B'nai Israel Cemetery. Located at the Sheffield Oakwood cemetery on Hatch Boulevard just west of where U.S. 43 turns to the right toward Florence, just south of the river. From the main entrance, go to the top of the hill. The Jewish section is on the right, and across the road further to the right. A large sign (facing the other direction) marks the area. Burial List.