Who We Are
A Distinct Identity
As more Jews moved to Greenville, Mississippi they reorganized and formed Hebrew Union Congregation in 1879. In 1880, they began building the structure for a temple on land given to them by Mrs. Harriet Blanton Theobold, a wealthy local plantation owner. Theobold wasn't Jewish, yet her benevolence won her the nickname, “Mother of Greenville.” The building was initially designed to serve primarily as a private school and only secondarily as a worship space. In 1870, when Greenville was officially incorporated as a town, there were approximately 25-30 Jewish families who lived within its borders. By 1880 the congregation was growing and hired Rabbi Joseph Bogen. He served until 1901 and was replaced by Rabbi Abraham Brill. The present temple was constructed in 1906 with the sanctuary seating approximately 350 and with a membership by 1908 of 85 families.
Though in 1962 Hebrew Union Congregation boasted the largest congregation in Mississippi with 200 families, today the congregation consists of about 50 families. Hebrew Union Congregation continues to be the Jewish center of the Mississippi Delta. The congregation holds services twice a month under the direction of Rabbi Debra Kassoff.
Hebrew Union Congregation
What We Do
Meaningful Work. Unforgettable Experiences.
There are many events the congregation is involved in outside the usual religious ones. Our largest fundraiser is the corned Beef Deli Luncheon. We serve 1,600 corned beef lunches to the community the first Thursday in March. This event helps us support Jacobs Camp and the Institute of Southern Jewish Life. The temple also hosts many community wide non-Jewish functions. We are an active congregation that supports our local Delta-wide communities.
Any contributions that you make to our congregation will be greatly appreciated.
Our donate button is located at the bottom of this page.
Thank you
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2025
Friday Night Services
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August 29, 2025 - 6:30 p.m.
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High Holy Day Services
Rosh Hashanah
Monday, Sept. 22, 2025 - 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025 - 10:00 a.m.
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Yom Kippur
Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025 - 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025 - 10:00 a.m.
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Viking Cruise Line Mississippi
Hebrew Union Temple is proud to be a part of the tours of the Viking Cruise riverboat when it stops in Greenville.
Hebrew Union Congregation
Museum
We are very proud of the work that has gone into the museum. It gives the personal history of the congregation from 1880 to the present.
Open weekdays 9:00 to 12:00
662.332.4153
History of the
Families of the Delta
The Writers
And the Military Veterans
The Jewish Cemetery, Greenville, MS
The 15-acre cemetery was purchased in 1892 for $1750.00 There was an immediate down payment of $750.00 and a 12 month note at 8% for 12 months.
Rabbi Debra Kassoff
Working Towards a Better Tomorrow
Dealing with the challenges of today requires problem-solvers who bring different perspectives and are willing to take risks. Hebrew Union Congregation emerged out of a pursuit to inspire and support the community, and a desire for actions to speak louder than words. Established in 1880, we’re an organization driven by progressive ideas, bold actions, and a strong foundation of support.
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President - Richard Dattel
Vice-President - Benjy Nelken
Secretary - Bob Stein
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Office Secretary - Anne Reynolds Walker