Beth Sholom Congregation (Elkins Park, Pennsylvania)
Beth Sholom Congregation | |
---|---|
Mayan Revival | |
Date established | 1919 (as a congregation) |
Completed | 1959 |
Specifications | |
Capacity | 1,270 worshippers |
Height (max) | 110 feet (34 m) |
Materials | Corrugated wire glass; fiberglass |
Website | |
bethsholomcongregation | |
Beth Sholom Synagogue | |
Area | 3.9 acres (1.6 ha) |
NRHP reference No. | 07000430[1] |
Significant dates | |
Added to NRHP | March 29, 2007[1] |
Designated NHL | March 29, 2007[3] |
Designated PHMC | September 21, 2008[2] |
Beth Sholom Congregation (
History
The congregation originally established a synagogue in the
Clergy
Rabbis
- 1919–1964: Rabbi Mortimer J. Cohen
- 1964–2000: Rabbi Aaron Landes
- 2000–2003: Rabbi Gershon Schwartz
- 2003–2004: Rabbi Frederic Kazan (interim)
- 2004–present: Rabbi David Glanzberg-Krainin
- 2004–2020: Rabbi Andrea Merow
Cantors
- 1957–1967: Cantor Seymour Schwartzman
- 1968–1971: Cantor Neil Newman
- 1971–1975: Cantor Robert H. Albert
- 1975–2014: Cantor David F. Tilman
- 2014–2019: Cantor Jeffrey Weber
- 2020-present: Cantor Jacob Agar
Building
The building was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, who accepted the commission in September 1953. The building was completed and consecrated in 1959. It has been cited as an example of the
During the day, the interior is lit by natural light entering through the translucent walls overhead. At night, the entire building sometimes glows from interior artificial lighting. In front of the synagogue, and separated from it by about 25 feet (7.6 m), is a laver, or fountain. In ancient days, the laver (from the word "to lave," or "wash"), in which people washed their hands before worship, would have been made of copper. The ornamental fountain with flowing waters in front of the entrance is a symbol of the old laver and is also a symbol of purity upon entering into worship.
The main sanctuary is large enough to hold approximately 1020 people. The second sanctuary, which holds over 250 people, is on the first floor of the synagogue. Rabbi Mortimer Cohen had requested the main sanctuary be on the second floor to be lit by natural light during the day. The roof is 110 feet (34 m) from floor to ceiling,[4] giving the impression of rising towards the heavens. In 2009 the congregation opened a visitor center. Tours are given by docents several days a week.
In 2015 an elevator was added.
The design has been considered by critics to be the "most expressive" design drafted in Wright's career for any house of worship.
Notable members
- Bernard Wolfman, Dean of the University of Pennsylvania Law School, and his family[8]
Gallery
-
Looking southeast
-
Roof
-
Looking west
-
Light fixture
-
Entrance, looking north
-
View from the side
-
Roof detail
-
The roof at sunset
-
Roof detail
-
Front View
-
National Historic Landmark plaque
See also
- Jewish history in Pennsylvania
- List of Frank Lloyd Wright works
- List of National Historic Landmarks in Pennsylvania
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
References
- ^ a b "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
- ^ "PHMC Historical Markers". Historical Marker Database. Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission. Archived from the original on December 7, 2013. Retrieved December 30, 2013.
- ^ "Beth Sholom Synagogue". National Historic Landmark summary listing. National Park Service. Archived from the original on June 8, 2008. Retrieved November 12, 2007.
- ^ a b c d Siry, Joseph M. (2011). Beth Sholom Synagogue: Frank Lloyd Wright and Modern Religious Architecture. University of Chicago Press.
- ^ "Interior Secretary Kempthorne Designates 12 National Historic Landmarks in 10 States". U.S. Department of the Interior Press Release. April 4, 2007. Archived from the original on May 2, 2007. Retrieved April 15, 2007.
- ^ "Discover Montco's House of Peace - Beth Sholom Synagogue". December 3, 2018.
- ^ ""Beth Sholom", Elkins Park, Pennsylvania".
- ^ "From dimes to dialogue: Why civil discourse matters". The Intel. March 24, 2013.
Further reading
- Siry, Joseph M. (2011). Beth Sholom Synagogue: Frank Lloyd Wright and Modern Religious Architecture. University of Chicago Press.
- Storrer, William Allin (2006). The Frank Lloyd Wright Companion. University Of Chicago Press. p. S.373. ISBN 0-226-77621-2.
External links
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)