After World War I, Jewish architects developed a new style based, perhaps surprisingly, on Byzantine Christian church designs, |
Built from 1948 to 1953, this is one of the first great modern American synagogues, |
Built in 1763, it is the oldest surviving synagogue in North America, |
Built in 1763, it is the oldest surviving synagogue in North America. Still in use, the building combines an intimate elegance with Classical grandeur in the best tradition of Georgian architecture. It is also a National Landmark, the highest designation given to an American building. |
In 1989, Norman Jaffe created a warm, inviting space for prayer, filled with natural wood, with a view of trees, |
The grand sanctuary, built in 1964, was designed by Minoru Yamasaki, architect of the World Trade Center, |
The grand sanctuary, built in 1964, was designed by Minoru Yamasaki, architect of the World Trade Center. It is a dramatic, awe-inspiring space, but hard to use by a congregation, so a smaller sanctuary was built in 1979. Together, the two connected buildings create a portrait of Jewish aspirations in the late-20th century. |
The history and architecture of this restored 1845 synagogue, open as a historic site by the Jewish Museum of Maryland, sums up some of the dramatic changes in American Judaism and in American taste before and after the Civil War, |
The history and architecture of this restored 1845 synagogue, open as a historic site by the Jewish Museum of Maryland, sums up some of the dramatic changes in American Judaism and in American taste before and after the Civil War. Built for the Baltimore Hebrew Congregation in Greek-temple design, it has served many congregations, not all Jewish. |
This is the fourth home of America's oldest Jewish congregation, |
We are a country rich in Jewish history, and the Jewish community has contributed a wealth of fine architecture to the American scene. Most of these synagogues are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Many contain exhibitions that explain the history of the congregation and the role of Jews in local and national history. |