In 1917 four families, formerly members of Portsmouth’s Orthodox Gomley Chesed Synagogue, decided to found their own Orthodox Synagogue and call it Chevra T’helim.  The land was acquired in 1918, and the building was erected soon after.

Chevra T’helim thrived for decades, counting as many as 200 families at its height.  Chevra T’helim became the centerpiece of a thriving first- and second-generation immigrant Jewish community, providing families with a rich traditional Jewish background and a direct link to their European ancestors who came to America to find freedom and prosperity.

By 1985 the once vibrant congregation could barely sustain a minyan.  Today, however, this proud edifice is being renewed.

In 2002, The Friends of Chevra T’helim stepped in to preserve this historic landmark.  It has been placed on the Virginia Historical Register and is also recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.  We launched a Capital Campaign and contracted renowned architect John Paul Hanbury of the firm of Hanbury Evans Wright Vlattas & Company noted for their excellence in historic preservation.

For information on how you can help, please contact us.

Return to the Chevra T'helim home page

Friends of Chevra T'helim •  PO Box 7962 •  Portsmouth, VA 23707