When my ancestors lived in Selma, there was a thriving Jewish community, with a synagogue known as Temple Mishkan Israel. The congregation was founded in 1867, and services were originally held in the home of congregation member Adolph Elkan. In 1892, the congregation purchased the land that became the site of their temple in 1900.
However, as small towns all over the South began to lose population, the Mishkan Israel congregation has lost people as well. The congregation now consists locally of 7 members in their sixties and up, but with several extended family members living in other cities. As a result of this population decline, there has been less money for upkeep of the temple, and it is in great need of renovations.