Adath Israel Synagogue

Adath Israel is an Orthodox synagogue, independent of the Consistoire, located at 36 rue Basfroi, in the 11th arrondissement of Paris. Rabbi Shmouel Mortchelewicz has served as the rabbi of our kehila since November 12, 2015. Adath Israel was originally a shtibel of the Sfard rite (also called the Polish rite), founded at the beginning of the 20th century by Mr. Mongate and Mr. Kanterovitch, without an official rabbi but under the spiritual authority of the Chief Rabbi of the synagogue on Rue Pavée and of the Agudas Hakehilos (אֲגֻדָּת־הַקְּהִלּוֹת, Union of Communities). In the 1980s, this oratory, whose condition had left much to be desired, underwent a radical transformation and became a modern and functional synagogue. This transformation was the work of the then president, Dr. Achille Yehiel Naftalis, and the vice-president, Mr. Rothbart, who spent months discussing plans and negotiating adjustments. Despite those who doubted the feasibility of the project, it came to fruition, financed entirely by a real-estate company that included the synagogue in a broader housing project built on the site of the former oratory, which it purchased. One of the conditions set was the uninterrupted maintenance of a place of prayer, with the provision of a temporary oratory. Among the requests obtained by Dr. Naftalis was also the creation of a mikveh in the synagogue building. Rabbi Yaacov Shlamme was the first rabbi of the shul, followed by Rabbi Lederberger, and then by Dayan Rabbi Yermiyahu M. Kohen until 2014. Rabbi Mi'hel Reizs also served as chazzan of our community.