Fort Wayne’s Jewish Community
Congregation Achduth Vesholom
“Unity and Peace” — Est. 1848
The oldest Jewish congregation in Indiana — and the spiritual home of the Fort Wayne Jewish community for over 175 years.
About the Temple
Indiana’s Oldest
Jewish Congregation
Congregation Achduth Vesholom — Hebrew for “Unity and Peace” — was formed on October 26, 1848, by German Jewish immigrants in Fort Wayne, making it the oldest Jewish congregation in the state of Indiana.
A charter member of the Reform Movement (now the Union for Reform Judaism), the Temple is linked to a worldwide community of Jews whose progressive values allow a high degree of personal religious autonomy while placing great emphasis on social responsibility. More than eight generations of Jews have found a home at Achduth Vesholom.
In July 2019, following a landmark vote, Congregation Achduth Vesholom and Congregation B’nai Jacob came together as one congregation with two traditions — the first change to Fort Wayne’s congregational landscape in over 80 years. The Goldstine-B’nai Jacob Chapel now houses the Ark, Torahs, and treasured items from B’nai Jacob.
Congregation Achduth Vesholom — 5200 Old Mill Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46807
Worship & Services
Shabbat & Holiday Services
For current service times and schedules, visit templecav.org or contact the temple office.
Education & Programming
Religious School & Lifelong Learning
A Living Piece of History
The Holocaust Memorial Torah
In 1997, the Temple launched a Torah-writing project to restore a holy document saved from Nazi destruction in Czechoslovakia. Scroll #1172 from the Memorial Scrolls Trust — housed at Westminster Synagogue in London — dates from mid-18th century Moravia and is now permanently on loan to Congregation Achduth Vesholom.
The restored Torah is used in the Temple’s services — a living memorial to those who perished in the Holocaust and a testament to the continuity of Jewish life.
Stay Connected
Temple Bulletin & Contact
The Temple publishes a regular bulletin with services, programming, and community news. Archives are organized by year and accessible below.
Contact the Temple