Ahavas Sholom was established after a group of members split from Agudas Achim over the manner of davening (praying). Within 3 years they had settled immediately next door to Agudas Achim in a tiny building possibly a renovated stable or old brick house.

Inside there was a balcony going in a horseshoe fashion around the perimeter for the women’s seating. Originally, the bimah (the podium from which the service is conducted) was located in the center of the main floor in keeping with Sephardic tradition. The first floor had old wooden pews.

In the early days, the congregation could not afford a rabbi, but would conduct a prayer service. Each week the congregants would go next door to Agudas Achim to listen to the rabbi’s sermon.