Source: The Star Tribune/Mesabi Daily News
http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/faith/20726619.html?page=1&c=y
Nearly 100 years ago, the B'nai Abraham Synagogue opened its doors in Virginia.
For decades, it was home to services and numerous commemorations -- many birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and bar mitzvahs were celebrated there. The synagogue was a gathering spot, a community center.
It is now the only remaining synagogue on the Iron Range.
But thanks to support from the community and a nonprofit group dedicated to its restoration, it will again serve as a place to gather.
Work has been underway for several years to convert the building into a community center for the area -- where everything from meetings and school functions can be held -- as well as a small museum to tell the story of the Jewish presence and contributions to the Iron Range.