Congregation Beth Elohim

 temple, Neoclassical (architecture), judaism, NRHP - National Register of Historic Places, 1910_construction

Congregation Beth Elohim was formed in 1861 comprised of mostly German and Czech immigrants. Its services were conducted in German and Hebrew, and men and women were allowed to sit together in contrast to other synagogues. Over its history, Beth Elohim went through four failed mergers with other congregations. In 1910, they completed their current building on the corner of 8th Avenue and Garfield Place. The building had 5 sides representing the five Books of Moses, and can seat 1,200 people. It is considered one of the most vibrant congregations in New York and one of the most popular in Brooklyn.

The building was designed and built by the Manhattan architectural firm of Simon Eisendrath and B. Horowitz. Construction began in 1909 and completed in 1910. Designed in the Classical Revival style, this monumental example of “austere neo-Classical grandeur” had five sides, representing the five Books of Moses and was capped by a saucer dome. The entrance faced the corner of Garfield and 8th, and carved in Stone over it was the Biblical verse fragment “mine house shall be an house of prayer for all people”. The basement held classrooms, an auditorium, and administrative offices.

The building was landmarked as a part of the Park Slope Historic District on July 17th, 1973.

274 Garfield Place
Brooklyn, NY 11215
(718) 499-6208
congregationbethelohim.org