1012 Avenue I, Brooklyn
The Young Israel was established on December 6, 1921 and held its first Synagogue Shabbat Services on March 3, 1922. In its many years of existence, we have been active on several fronts. The Young Israel was instrumental in providing assistance in rescue efforts for our suffering brethren during the Holocaust, financial aid during the early years of our beloved State of Israel and in its wars of existence, and support to our brothers behind the Iron Curtain. Here at home, we have been the leading Congregation in the community – the force behind the creation of the local Mikveh, the Gemilut Chassadim Organization and the Greater Flatbush Eruv. We have also assisted local Yeshivot, Rabbinic Courts and the needy of our community. In addition to being open all day, every day, we have provided a myriad of services to our membership, including religious and educational enrichment, youth and outreach programs and social activities.
Article from “Common Bond
Yet another take on the Moorish influenced “Semite” style can be found at Young Israel of Flatbush (Louis Allen Abramson, 1923). Abramson’s design includes such typically Moorish features as ogival (pointed) arches, horseshoe arches, slender minarets, and polychromatic tiles in an intricate Moorish-inspired design. The Avenue I façade is faced in polychromatic patterned brick – purple, red and brown – laid in irregular geometrical patterns, and focuses on three enormous ogival arches with stained glass windows, the arches defined by a combination of patterned brickwork and tiles. The synagogue’s main entrance is set within a typically Moorish horseshoe arch supported on slender octagon.al stone columns with ornamental columns. The various tiles are set in abstract and floral patterns, but also with six sided forms suggesting a magen david (shield or “star” of David). A band of the tile and patterned brick above the arch includes a frieze with a Hebrew inscription set between two magen david forms. “B’neureinu v’vzekeineinu neileikh” “With the young and our old we shall go” – words spoken by Moses to Pharaoh in the Book of Exodus.
Inside, the sanctuary continues the building’s Moorish design, notably in the polychromatic tiling that frames sections of the walls and surrounds each window opening. Throughout the sanctuary, typically Moorish ornament intermingles with such Judaic symbols as a magen david. At the front, the ark is more of a classically inspired design, with twin columns supporting an arch, above the ark itself is a representation of the two Tablets of the Law. The sanctuary is lit by enormous windows of polychromatic leaded glass, for the most part adorned with geometric patterns, but also including symbols inscribed with the names of the Twelve Tribes.
IMPORTANT DATES IN OUR EARLY HISTORY
The information listed below has been taken from the Building Dedication Journal published in conjunction with the week of celebration February 24 – March 3, 1929
December 6, 1921 – Young Israel Organized
March 3, 1922 – First Sabbath Services held
November 2, 1922 – Resolution to Start a Building Fund
June 14, 1923 – Ground Breaking Ceremony
September 10, 1923 – First High Holiday Services Held in New Building
October 19, 1925 – Construction Work resumes
February 24, 1929 – Dedication of Building
