Neziner Congregation
In 1896, the Neziner Congregation was founded for Jews arriving in massive numbers from Eastern Europe and Russia. Officially, its name was Congregation Ahavas Achim-Anshe Nezin, which meant “Congregation of Friendly Sons of Nezin,” a small town in southern Russia. Fleeing to Philadelphia from persecution in Eastern Europe, Jewish immigrants from Nezin banded together in 1889 to form their own synagogue charter, meeting in their homes.
During the next 25 years, its membership increased significantly, incorporating newer arrivals to Philadelphia who came from regions besides Nezin. By 1905, the synagogue settled into a property at 771 S. 2nd Street.
Following WWI, Jewish neighborhood residents prospered and moved to newer parts of the city, such as Strawberry Mansion, Logan, Wynnefield and West Philadelphia. Compounded by the gentrification effort of Society Hill by then Philadelphia Mayor Dilworth, membership grew at Society Hill Synagogue and declined at the Neziner Congregation.
Fortunately, during the Depression, the synagogue experienced a rebirth under the leadership of Isaac Schreider, a new member who cleverly fundraised from former members who had moved away from the synagogue in the 1920’s. However, despite its members’ best efforts, the community remained small and, in time, could no longer support its own synagogue. By 1984 there were a few more than 50 stalwart families at the synagogue and it sought to merge with another Conservative congregation in the city. BZBI was the fortunate and lucky home Neziner found.
