The HÜG Place: A Journey Through Time and Purpose
Image of The HÜG Place, with entry way that reads "Thou Shalt Love Thy Neighbor"
Step into a world where history intertwines with creativity, where the past whispers its stories into the present, and where a once-hallowed space finds new life as The Highland Universal Gathering Place—The HÜG Place. Discover the remarkable journey of this historic building, once known as Temple Israel, and its profound impact on Akron's cultural and communal landscape.
A Legacy of Unity and Faith
The story of The HÜG Place begins in the mid-19th century, as a small group of 20 men joined together to form the Akron Hebrew Association. United by a common bond of faith, this gathering marked the genesis of a journey that would span over 150 years. With a shared vision of worship, education, and socialization, this association laid the foundation for the community's spiritual growth.
From Vision to Reality
In 1865, a constitution signed by those 20 men provided the guiding framework for Akron's Reform Jews. As the years unfolded, the Akron Hebrew Association grew in both strength and purpose. Under the leadership of Rabbi Aaron Suhler, the congregation welcomed its first permanent rabbi, ushering in an era of stability and growth.
Multicolored Mosaic in The HÜG Place’s foyer.
A Place to Call Home
By 1885, the congregation had celebrated its first Bar Mitzvah, joined the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, and acquired its first synagogue—the former St. Paul's Episcopal Church on High Street. This new space provided a haven for worship, learning, and community bonding. In 1911, the congregation moved to its iconic Merriman Road location, and with it came a change of name: Temple Israel.
Echoes of Leadership and Transformation
Temple Israel was more than just a place of worship; it was a hub of community engagement. Under the guidance of early rabbis like Rabbi Isidore Philo and Rabbi David Alexander, the congregation embraced secular activities, social service, and community involvement. The addition of Rabbi David Horowitz in 1983 expanded the scope of social action and outreach, catalyzing numerous programs that touched the lives of many.
A New Dawn: The HÜG Place
As the ravages of time made their mark, Temple Israel embarked on a new journey. In 2014, the congregation transitioned to a new location in Bath Township. Yet, the spirit of unity, compassion, and creativity that once thrived within those historic walls would not fade. Today, The HÜG Place emerges as a beacon of renewal, embracing its storied past while embarking on a fresh chapter as a Community Arts Center.