The temple was built in 1889 and in December 2023, Temple Aaron was designated a National Historic Landmark. Standing on a steep hill in Trinidad, Colorado, Temple Aaron is an imposing reminder of the endurance of the Jewish community in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado. Temple Aaron retains the honor of being the oldest synagogue in Colorado located on its original site. The hybrid Victo
rian-Moorish building, designed by influential architect Isaac Hamilton Rapp recalls the tenacity of Jewish roots in the West. On July 23, 1883, 17 Jews of Trinidad gathered in the home of Sol Jaffa to organize a synagogue and they adopted the name of the group. Henry Birnbaum, owner of several stores in the Southwest, was elected president, and Samuel Jaffa, later to become Trinidad's first mayor, was chosen vice-president. Jewish traders had been active along the Santa Fe Trail and in 1867, after extending the stagecoach line from Denver to Trinidad, Jewish merchants began setting up shops on Main Street. Because of its industrial activity, Trinidad became the second city of importance in Colorado. It produced 2/3 of the state's coal and became a major smelting center, attracting Jews from other parts of the United States and Europe. The Ladies' Auxiliary, also founded in 1883, got busy with dinners and bake sales to help raise the $12,500 needed to pay for the building before construction began. A pipe organ arrived by wagon to be electrified years later. Originally the members of Congregation Aaron held services in a local hall, but in 1883 they moved to the new Jaffa Opera House on Main Street. It was 1887 when the congregation engaged its first rabbi. Rabbi Leopold Freudenthal, who served for 27 years until his death, succeeded him two years later. For a number of years he conducted the worship in both German and English and gradually introduced moderate Reform practice. By 1889 the construction of Temple Aaron, at Third and Maple Streets, had begun. The sanctuary seats 250 people and the spacious vestry encourages social and education functions. As the economic conditions in Trinidad deteriorated, there was a decline in Temple membership, and after Rabbi Freudenthal's death in 1916, congregation members conducted services and saw to the maintenance and faculty of the Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati, including many esteemed Rabbis, assisted the congregation. Despite the small number of congregants, the Jews of Trinidad, Raton, and neighboring communities, continue to carry on a regular program of religious activities. Temple Aaron hosts an annual Inter-Faith program. Featuring an array of prominent Jewish experts, this High Holyday event promises to enlighten all participants with commentary and music concerning Jewish affairs. In recent years Temple Aaron has attracted a wider membership throughout the region who are proud to identify with this historic congregation.
