Abandoned Synagogue

In 2009, the congregation of Chisuk Emuna lost their beloved synagogue by a fire that started in the sanctuary days before the Jewish holiday of Passover. Passover marks the exodus of the Jewish people from Egyptian slavery. After moving to a temporary synagogue at the Jewish Community Center, the congregation was forced to relocate again when flooding from Tropical Storm Lee caused flooding and substantial damage to the Jewish Community Center.

Founded by Eastern European immigrants in 1883 the name Chisuk Emuna means Strength of Faith. This location opened in 1955 and was in use until the fire destroyed the sanctuary, hundreds of prayer books, as well as sacred ritual items and was left unusable. The religious community surrounding Chisuk Emuna came to help to allow the congregation to continue to worship while a new synagogue was being built. Today the building is just a shell of the synagogue left behind to decay and being reclaimed by nature.