It wasn’t much of a schlep — just under two blocks — and all told, the holy rolling took less than an hour. But it was still a historic move for Washington, DC’s, oldest synagogue, which was noodged down Third Street NW on Wednesday to the corner at F Street where it will anchor a new museum of Jewish history.
“Yes, this is literally a building rolling down the street, but it’s also such a remarkable symbol of our city and the Jewish community here,” said Kara Blond, executive director of the Jewish Historical Society of Greater Washington.
The former Adas Israel Synagogue opened in 1876, with then-President Ulysses S. Grant attending the ceremony.
In the 142 years since then, the building has had many incarnations, and is now in its fourth location.
At times, it has been occupied by a Greek Orthodox church, retail stores, offices and — oy vey — a nonkosher barbecue restaurant.
Its first move came in 1969, after it was nearly demolished to make way for the city subway system’s headquarters.
Its second move, all of 40 feet, came in 2016, when it found itself in the way of the Capitol Crossing development project.
That made Wednesday’s travels the third relocation for the building, which will serve as the permanent cornerstone of the 25,000-square-foot Capital Jewish Museum — meaning its wandering is over.
Poster Comment:
Proof that they ARE rootless cosmopolitans....you can't make this shit up.