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A century ago, so few Jewish families lived in Harford County, even the thought of a temple could not be justified. Today, the Harford Jewish Center has become the center of Judaism for Harford County.
The opening of the Aberdeen Proving Ground encouraged a diverse military and civilian population in Harford County. By the end of World War II, Jewish families had grown to such a number that thoughts began simmering for a Hebrew Congregation. The first unofficial meeting of Harford Hebrew Congregation was in February 1955. In November 1955, it was decided to purchase our first building from the American Legion at Forest Green. Our name officially changed to the Harford Jewish Center. A decision was made in March of 1957 to hire a rabbi for the weekends. By October, we had acquired our first Torahs and eternal light.
The community prospered and then seven years later welcomed its first full time Rabbi, Paul Kushner. Temple Adas Shalom (Congregation of Peace), the Harford Jewish Center, was dedicated on September 15, 1968, as the first synagogue in Harford County history. The Center is a living monument to the sacrifice and commitment of the members who worked so diligently to achieve the realization of a dream of many families, who strove so long and industriously to see the culmination of their dreams come to fruition. The religious, educational and social complex is situated on high ground at the intersection of Route 155 and Earlton Road in Havre de Grace. It overlooks the serene countryside and is the culmination of years of determined effort and diligent endeavors of Harford County’s Jewish community and their many friends and well wishers from other sects and communities. The Center was designed by John Mullins and the general contractor was Andrew Pasqualini.
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