Andover —   Andover’s Conservative synagogue, Congregation Beth Israel of the Merrimack Valley, has recently discovered that its ark is likely the work of renowned ark builder Sam Katz from the early 1900s.

Last year, the American Folk Art Museum in New York City had an exhibit entitled, “Gilded Lions and Jeweled Horses: The Synagogue to the Carousel.” Murray Zimiles was the guest curator of this exhibit, which traced the journey of Jewish woodcarvers and other artisans from Eastern and Central Europe to America and the role they played in establishing a distinct Jewish culture in the United States.

The exhibition featured 100 artworks and objects including carved gravestones, sacred carvings, paper cuts and carousel animals. Significant pieces in this exhibition were created by woodworker Sam Katz, who built at least 20 arks in the New England area between 1910 and 1930. Very few of these are still in existence and being used, and it appears that Congregation Beth Israel has one of the few remaining.

On Sunday, March 29, at 11 a.m. at Congregation Beth Israel, Beryl Gilfix,, historian of the Adam’s Street shul in Newton and Ellen Jean Smith from Brandeis University will present information on the work of Sam Katz and the key elements that mark his work. In addition, former pieces of the ark never seen before by current members will be unveiled and presented back to the congregation. Former members from the Concord Street shul in Lawrence, the original home of the ark, will be in attendance, as well as children from the Hebrew School and members of the community. This will truly be a multi-generational event that will be educational and interesting to all those in attendance.

Congregation Beth Israel is located at 501 S. Main Street in Andover. All are welcome to attend. If there are any other former members of the old Concord Street shul in Lawrence, we would love for you to attend and share your stories.

Jonathan Brody is president of Congregation Beth Israel of the Merrimack Valley.