The Vilna Shul, Boston’s Center for Jewish Culture, marked an important milestone last week with the unveiling of a new historic marker as part of the Everyone250 (E250) Monuments & Markers campaign. The ceremony brought together community leaders, partners, and residents to recognize the Vilna’s significance as the only remaining immigrant-era synagogue building in Downtown Boston.
“As the last remaining immigrant-era synagogue in Boston, we take seriously our responsibility to preserve not only our founders’ story, but the many stories that shaped this city," said Dalit Ballen Horn, CEO of the Vilna Shul. “By unveiling this marker, we’re saying clearly that Jewish history is not a sidebar to the American story, it is central to it, and the communities who built this city deserve to be seen and remembered."
The unveiling was part of Everyone250’s Monuments & Markers initiative, a citywide effort to tell a fuller, more inclusive story of Boston ahead of the 250th anniversary of the United States. Led by A Beautiful Resistance, Embrace Boston, MassArt, Mass Humanities, and Mathmatik Athletics, the initiative uplifts stories that have too often been overlooked, highlighting the contributions of immigrants, workers, and communities of color who shaped the city.
"What happened here at the Vilna Shul deserves witnesses. Jewish immigrants lived here, struggled here, and built here, and with this marker, future generations will know they belong to something real and lasting," said Dr. Imari Paris Jeffries, CEO of Embrace Boston. "Tonight, we commit together to remembering, honoring, and building something that outlasts us all."
Originally founded in 1888 as a mutual aid society supporting Jewish immigrants fleeing persecution in Eastern Europe, The Vilna later built its current home in 1919. At a time when more than 50 synagogues served Boston’s immigrant Jewish population, The Vilna stood as a central hub for prayer, connection and community. Today, while no longer a house of worship, it continues that legacy as a cultural center offering programs, education and public events that bring Jewish history and identity to life.
The marker was made possible through the support of Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP), the project’s lead funder, and reflects a shared commitment to preserving and elevating Jewish history at a time when combating antisemitism and strengthening public understanding remains critically important.
“This moment is the result of the collaboration between Embrace Boston, the Vilna Shul, and Combined Jewish Philanthropies, through CJP’s Center for Combating Antisemitism,” said Rabbi Marc Baker, President & CEO of CJP. “By upholding this partnership, we’re telling a fuller and more honest story of our city — and our country — that no community can do alone. This is more than just a commemoration, it’s a commitment to telling fuller, more inclusive stories, and to uphold the values that make this democracy possible.”
Through its participation in Everyone250, The Vilna Shul is helping connect the Jewish experience in Boston to broader themes of immigration, resilience and community-building that continue to shape the city today.
The Vilna Shul is Boston’s Center for Jewish Culture, located in the city’s historic West End. As the last remaining immigrant-era synagogue building in Boston, it serves as a vibrant hub for education, arts, and community programs that explore Jewish history, identity, and culture.
Led by A Beautiful Resistance, Embrace Boston, MassArt, Mass Humanities and Mathmatik Athletics, and a coalition of over 100 partners in Boston’s arts and culture sector, Everyone250 is redefining what it means to belong in Boston. Through storytelling, cultural celebration, and honest reflection, we shine a light on the untold histories and unsung heroes who have shaped our city over the past 250 years—ensuring every voice is heard and every person is seen.
More than a campaign, Everyone250 is a living, breathing commitment to inclusivity, representation, and the power of collective impact.
Founded in 1895, Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP) is Greater Boston's Jewish Federation and was created with the purpose of building vibrant Jewish communities and igniting positive change at home, in Israel, and around the world. As a philanthropic organization driven by Jewish values, learning, and culture, CJP mobilizes communal philanthropy and provides grants, builds partnerships, and brings Greater Boston's diverse Jewish community together. For more information, please visit www.cjp.org.