Housed in a turn-of-the-century mansion, the Synagogue is named Shaare Zedeck (Gates of Justice) in honor of the the first synagogue destroyed in Liepzig, Germany, the former home of one of the community’s founding members.

Operation Bootstrap was an ambitious program to industrialize Puerto Rico in the mid-twentieth century. Many Jewish merchants and industrialists migrated to Puerto Rico resulting in the beginnings of a solid Jewish community. By 1953 the iconic Kerber Mansion, designed by the famous architect Antonin Nechodoma, was purchased and remodeled to become the synagogue, Jewish community center and day school.

Nechodoma, a Czech by birth, arrived in Puerto Rico arrived in Puerto Rico in 1905. He became one of the most prominent architects in the Caribbean. Nechodoma’s work combined Arts & Crafts elements with the horizontality of the Prairie Style originated by Frank Lloyd Wright. The Kerber Mansion, now Shaare Zedeck, is an excellent example of Nechodoma’s use of Prairie Style architecture and Arts & Crafts decorative elements.

In 1955 the congregation’s first rabbi was hired and the Hebrew school was founded. Membership increased during the 1960s as refugees immigrated to Puerto Rico as a result of Fidel Castro’s rise to power in Cuba. A new social hall and modern classrooms were added. As interest grew in Jewish education and cultural activities new facilities were built to house the library and youth group. In 1989 a preschool for children 2 to 5 years old was inaugurated. Growth continued into the 90s when adjacent property was purchased for the rapidly growing religious school, parking, kitchens as well as the remodeled and expanded Hebrew school.

Today Shaare Zedeck is the largest Jewish community in the Caribbean. It continues to thrive and grow, participating in numerous religious, cultural and Zionist activities.