Walnut Street Synagogue

---

By Tom Barth 

After completing the successful Taste of Jewish Culture online 

series last November, the historic Walnut Street Synagogue of Chelsea 

has launched two more online series: Jerusalem: The Holy City’s 

Development from Antiquity to Today, and the Spring Speaker Series - 

Jewish Experiences in America. Two sessions remain in the Jerusalem 

series, which explores the growth of Jerusalem from its beginnings as 

a small town on a hillside to the modern city it has become. 

Nachalot: 1875-1920 will be held on April 17. This program will 

examine the unique cluster of “micro-neighborhoods” that are unlike 

any other area of Jerusalem, which reflects the growth spurt of the 

New City. Nachalot has become a diverse area with numerous different 

communities represented, a rapidly developing architectural style, 

and many colorful characters who have been central to the overall 

progress in the nation. 

Rechavia: 1920 to present will be held on May 15. Rechavia was the 

first modern neighborhood of Jerusalem, established during the British 

Mandate era that followed World War I. The program will explore 

how the city continued to develop and grow, from the establishment 

of the state of Israel in 1948 through the present day. 

Speaker Joel Haber will present this series live from his home in 

Jerusalem. Haber was born and raised in New Jersey and moved to 

Israel in 2009. He is a licensed tour guide, specializing in tours of 

his home city. He also guides tours around Israel. Those attending 

the previous series will remember Haber as the presenter on Jewish 

food traditions and the historical connections between Jews and food. 

Two sessions remain in the speaker series, dedicated to the memory 

of Boston-area author and educator Norman H. Finkelstein, and 

features leading scholars discussing very different aspects of the 

Jewish experience in America. 

Becoming American Jews: The Evidence in Art and Architecture 

will be held on April 10. The talk will track how and when immigrants 

adopted a new language, new symbols, new images, and new styles 

in art and architecture in order to express their identity as both Jews 

and Americans. The speaker will be Samuel Gruber, an accomplished 

researcher, author, curator and consultant, and founder and managing 

director of Gruber Heritage Global (GHG), a cultural resources 

consulting firm. 

Overcoming Antisemitism in America will be held on May 22. The 

speaker will be Rabbi Charles Savenor, who will discuss Norman H. 

Finkelstein’s final book, Saying No to Hate: Overcoming Antisemitism 

in America, to help understand the current crisis and the Jewish 

community’s unending courage, perseverance, and hope. Rabbi 

Savenor is Executive Director of Civic Spirit and the former Director 

of Congregational Education at the Park Avenue Synagogue in New 

York. Both series are made possible by grants from the Congregation 

Ahabat Shalom Religious Fund. 

The Walnut Street Synagogue was added to the National Register 

of Historic Places in 1993. All are welcome, but advance registration 

is required. For more information and to register, please visit 

walnutstreetsynagogue.com. Contact the synagogue at info@

walnutstreetsynagogue.com with any questions