Lackawanna County Historic Site The Temple of Israel Synagogue of Dunmore, built in 1924, is located on what used to be routes 6 & 11, the only main artery going east, from Scranton, before Federal highways 80 and 84 were constructed. Today, the Temple of Israel, the oldest Jewish Orthodox synagogue in a radius of 75 miles remains in almost pristine, original condition, and is a vibrant reminder of that historical time. The Temple of Israel was the place of worship for many of the area's prominent and influential Jewish businessmen, attorneys and politicians. One of the founders, Joseph Wimmer, was a director of the First National Bank of Dunmore. M.L. Hodin, a prominent member of the 1930s, was a co-owner of Giant Markets of Scranton, the first supermarkets introduced in the area. Irving Epstein, a member of the 1940s was a prominent attorney in the Scranton community. Recent members include Saul Kaplan, President of the Olyphant  Bank, and Al Baldinger who worked closely with former Governor Thornburgh.
One look inside the Temple of Dunmore, brings one back to a past, replete with architectural and decorative images. Adorned with gorgeous stained glass windows, ceiling and wall paintings, richly accented wood trims, chandeliers, and sconces, one can imagine the love and adoration that went into the original design and construction. On the bimah, framed with wooden white rail fences supporting singular bronze candelabras, sits The Holy Ark and the Torah Table. The Holy Ark, which houses three Torahs, each donated in the 1920s, is clothed with a embroidered velvet curtain accented with gold, tassled trim. The Torah Table is made of solid oak and is also covered with embroidered velvet.
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| Temple of Israel of Dumore is a congregation affiliated with THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA Website is designed and maintained by Updated 5-23-05 |
Yes, The Temple of Israel of Dunmore still continues to play an important part of Jewish life in the Scranton area. This is remarkable considering that most of the Jewish population of Dunmore no longer resides there. The members of the Temple, today, travel from the outlying communities of Scranton, Clarks Summit, and Olyphant, to come to Saturday morning services. They are drawn to this Synagogue, partly because of its beauty, but mainly because of its rich tradition, founded in its uniquely precious historical past..