Khal Kodesh Adath Israel (Congregation Assembly of Israel) was founded in 1874 by 20 Jewish families. At this early date the Jewish community of Nashville was already a dynamic force in both the business and civic life of Nashville. Though we do not know exactly how many Jewish families there were, we do know that even in 1874 the Jewish community made up about the same percentage of total families as it did in 1974! The new congregation's first meetings were held at Old Douglas Hall at the corner of North Market Street (now Second Avenue North), and the public Square. The congregation met in various places until 1886, when it purchased and remodeled a residence at 417 N. Market Street. This was our first home. It was here, in 1886, our Religious School began, and in 1887 when the congregation employed its first full-time rabbi.

As the congregation grew, it voted to construct a synagogue, that was built in 1901 and located at 610 Gay Street. Known as the Gay Street Synagogue, it was here that the Ladies Hebrew Aid Society (Sisterhood) was organized in 1903. Growth of membership continued and by 1930 the congregation had 250 members. In 1904 the congregation voted to identify itself as Conservative and the Men's Club was founded soon after. The synagogue remained at Gay Street for 46 years until all activities, except for High Holidays, were moved to the present site at 3810 West End Avenue in 1947. Our current home was built and dedicated in 1951.

Although our location has remained the same since 1951, we at West End have always believed that a synagogue is not the building itself, but the people who fill the building with prayer, with study, with simcha celebrations, with dancing, laughter, joy and life! Our programs have grown and our religious functions reflect the totally egalitarian perspective of our congregation.

As rich as the history and service of Wed End Synagogue have been in the past, the 500+ families who make up the congregation look to the future, always using these past experiences as a valuable guide.