Magnificently sited alongside the Mississippi River

Temple of Aaron was established in October of 1910 by a handful of Orthodox St. Paul Jews who felt it was important to have a Conservative Jewish presence in the New World. Construction of the congregation’s first synagogue began in 1914 and was completed in 1916. A fire destroyed the synagogue in 1952.

A magnificent site looking directly upon the Mississippi River was chosen for a new synagogue. Rabbi Raskas took charge of the New Building Fund Campaign and worked closely with architect Percival Goodman for a unique Jewish architectural masterpiece, “a contemporary Torah Crown set in the earth.” Ground was broken in 1954, construction began in 1955 and formal dedication took place in December of 1956.

Like many Percival Goodman synagogues Temple of Aaron’s design has many symbolic aspects. Quoting from the Temple of Aaron website:

“Our Ark curtain follows ancient tradition serving as a symbol of mystery and awe. It is hand woven and the Bible inspired three design aspects: Cloud, Wings, and Two Trumpets. The main Ark is made of wood, is the dominating force of the entire building and contains two tiers of Torahs. The Ark is flanked by Israeli marble symbolizing our eternal ties with Israel. Our building combines a vast awareness of the past with a deep sense for the future. The building sculpture facing the Mississippi is a study in fluid motion. It symbolizes the necessity for righteousness ever to flow through society, purging it of evils for justice ever to well up from the fountainhead of the heart.”