Beth Sholom Synagogue

Beth Sholom Synagogue is a National Historic Landmark as designated by the National Parks Service and the Secretary of the Interior in the Spring of 2007. This distinction makes it one of only 4 synagogues nationwide to be considered an important national treasure

Frank Lloyd Wright, the renowned American architect designed Beth Sholom Synagogue. It was the only synagogue ever designed by him and the last project that he completed before his death.

Wright was invited by Beth Sholom Congregation of Philadelphia to design a new synagogue in the suburb of Elkins Park. Mr. Wright accepted the commission in September 1953. In March of 1954, he submitted a design to the Board of Directors of the Congregation. The Board approved the beautifully executed designs of Mr. Wright and arranged to build the new edifice. There is no doubt that the new Synagogue — a building rich in Jewish symbolism — requires interpretation. Mr. Wright was guided in his work by the advice of Rabbi Mortimer J. Cohen, who sought, through Mr. Wright's genius, to embody significant Jewish values in the new building. This building stands today as a testiment to the collaborative efforts of the architect and the rabbi.

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