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, 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. Congregation Achduth Vesholom continues its proud affiliation with the Union for Reform Judaism, while also offering Conservative services twice a month on Shabbat morning. During the High Holy Days, the full congregation worships together during evening services, with both Reform and Conservative services offered on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. 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 as it prepared to celebrate its 150th anniversary the following year. Scroll #1172 from the Memorial Scrolls Trust, which was saved from Nazi destruction in Czechoslovakia, dates from mid-18th century Moravia. Housed at Westminster Synagogue in London, the scroll 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