How about stepping back in time to 1891? That’s when the story of Bikur Cholim Machzikay Hadath in Seattle began. It started with the founding of Chevra Bikur Cholim. This society focused on caring for the sick and ensuring proper burials.
Over time, Chevra Bikur Cholim evolved. It grew into a religious congregation. Before officially incorporating, they held Simchas Torah services. This joyous occasion occurred in 1889 at Red Man’s Hall. The hall stood at 2nd Avenue and Seneca Street. Around 1890, the congregation purchased burial grounds at Oak Lake. Their first synagogue was a remodeled home. It stood at 14th Avenue and Washington Street. This became the heart of religious and social life for orthodox Jews.
In 1893, Rabbi Hirsch Genss gifted the congregation a Torah. Besides running a grocery and butcher shop, Rabbi Genss served as their first rabbi. Although not officially elected or salaried, he performed essential duties. These included ritual slaughtering circumcision and providing rabbinical guidance.
Zalman Grodinsky helped purchase property in 1897. This was for a synagogue at 13th Avenue and Washington Street. The doors opened on Rosh Hashanah in 1898. However the Klondike Gold Rush caused a population boom. Auxiliary services were then held in Morris Hall.
In 1909, Bikur Cholim bought land to construct a synagogue. It was to be built at 17th Avenue and Yesler Way. For five years, services took place in the vestry of the incomplete building. B. Marcus Priteca designed the synagogue. He also designed Seattle’s Coliseum and Orpheum theaters. The synagogue was dedicated in 1915. It served as Bikur Cholim’s home for nearly 60 years. In 1969, the city of Seattle purchased the synagogue building. However Bikur Cholim continued holding some events there until 1971. The city transformed it into a community cultural and arts center. It was named after Harlem Renaissance writer Langston Hughes.
During World War I, many European Jewish refugees arrived via Pacific ports. This was due to the closure of Atlantic ports. Bikur Cholim welcomed many refugees. They assisted with employment and resettlement. The congregation actively participated in the Seattle Jewish War Relief Committee. They also helped with Hebrew Immigrant Aid. This work continued with the establishment of the Hachnosas Orchim Society in 1932. It provided food and lodging for those in need.
In 1964, Bikur Cholim merged with Yavneh Congregation. Yavneh’s membership arose from Bikur Cholim members in Seward Park. They desired a closer place for services. These members had initially separated from Bikur Cholim. But they reunited in 1964. In 1971, Bikur Cholim changed its name. It reflected a merger with Congregation Machzikay Hadath founded in 1930. The new name became Bikur Cholim Machzikay Hadath.
In 1966, Bikur Cholim acquired property in Seward Park. High Holy Day services were held in a temporary synagogue. This lasted until 1972. Then the completed synagogue was dedicated. In 1990, the congregation established an Eruv in Seward Park. Jewish law normally forbids carrying on Shabbat. However within the Eruv worshippers may carry essentials.
Bikur Cholim celebrated its centennial in 1991. In 2004, Shabbat and holiday services drew 300 people. This included 100 children. Bikur Cholim was the only Seattle synagogue. It conducted morning afternoon and evening services every day. Today, Bikur Cholim Machzikay Hadath continues to serve. It remains a vibrant center for Jewish life in Seattle.