The synagogue was traditionally home to an active Hasidic Ashkenazi congregation that held Shabbat and holy day services, was affiliated with Lubavitch of Center City.

[1] In more recent years,[clarification needed] the synagogue became the home of an Orthodox women's mikvah run by the Lubavitch Hasidic community.

[4] The congregation held services in rented rooms until 1915, when the building on 509 Pine Street was purchased by the Shapiro family.

[7] The stone above the front doorway reads, in Hebrew: בית הכנסת בני אברהם אבא ב'ר יהודה שאפירא ואנשי ווילנה נוסדה בשנת תרס׳, lit.

[10] Rabbi Menachem Schmidt was appointed in 1989, and began reviving the congregation as a community shul where he led services, hosted meals, and taught.