The Jewish community in North Alabama reaches back to the early years of Alabama's statehood. The new Huntsville Jewish Heritage Center located in the Temple B'nai Sholom at 103 Lincoln St. tells that story with an educational video and displays of many historic Jewish artifacts both local and international.

The Center will hold its dedication ceremony and open house Sunday from 2-3 p.m.

Huntsville Museum of Art Director Christopher Madkour has described the center as "an exquisite jewel box."

The local Huntsville Jewish congregation B'nai Sholom (Sons of Peace) was founded in 1876 by 32 families. By 1898 construction of the Temple began and it was dedicated on Nov. 26, 1899. It is the oldest synagogue in continuous use in Alabama.

A video presentation called "The History of the Huntsville Jewish Community from the 1850s until the Present" shares the involvement and significant contributions of local Jewish individuals and the congregation to the cultural and economic life of North Alabama for more than a century and a half.

The displays in the Heritage Center contain many objects highlighting Jewish holidays, major Jewish events including the Holocaust and the Declaration of the State of Israel, Jewish life cycles and sacred Jewish symbols, objects and traditions.

In addition to the Heritage Center, visitors will be able see the Romanesque revival style sanctuary of Temple B'nai Sholom with it's beautiful stained glass windows. According to former Huntsville architect and historian Harvie Jones, "the interior space of Temple B'nai Sholom is unusual, unexpected and beautiful. It is a sophisticated exercise in the use of geometry for symbolism and vitality."

While details regarding hours of operation are still being worked out, for more information regarding visitation times and tours you can contact the Temple office at 256-536-4771.