tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32437547664815310882024-03-05T02:11:26.159-08:00American Synagogue ArchitectureAn informal blog of photos and history of synagogues from all over North America.Julian H. Preislerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11948455839877035954noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243754766481531088.post-44647412863841231582018-11-13T13:33:00.000-08:002018-11-13T13:33:12.244-08:00I'm please to add information about my two newest published books. <i><b>The Synagogues of Eastern Pennsylvania: A Visual Journey</b></i>, was just published by Fonthill Media and Arcadia Publishing. It features 128 pages and 195 images of current and former synagogues in the 4 regions of Eastern Pennsylvania. A brief history of each Jewish Community is presented as well. This new book is a companion volume to my earlier work, <b><i>The Synagogues of Central & Western Pennsylvania: A Visual Journey</i></b>. <i><b>America's Pioneer Jewish Congregations: Architecture, Community & History</b></i> was published last year also by Fonthill Media. The book features the oldest existing Jewish congregation in each of the fifty US states plus Washington, DC; Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. As with most of my books, this books is also heavy with beautiful images nearly half in color. All of my books are available on Amazon.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxtgMLmMTNG5oqwN4FvicLKHFUUYddXKApM5Y2C2H_Crp7H2B1C1MtZEolC7zTMq9ALCZ_QXXe56-sElY5T5L8E6m5Vu2tUsgVIsCUYOwqmX2mQOc3DVV15nsefjRYlxYfzpdPgWtOz3UD/s1600/Book+cover+-+Synagogues+of+Eastern+PA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="888" data-original-width="1273" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxtgMLmMTNG5oqwN4FvicLKHFUUYddXKApM5Y2C2H_Crp7H2B1C1MtZEolC7zTMq9ALCZ_QXXe56-sElY5T5L8E6m5Vu2tUsgVIsCUYOwqmX2mQOc3DVV15nsefjRYlxYfzpdPgWtOz3UD/s400/Book+cover+-+Synagogues+of+Eastern+PA.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS06hzO1UPQJux_bEgmPCMgp5oTRD6-w1u8OU40iNiAb90vzRCXrI9xMhZvNUwMGjWgs0JV68oMB4y6d3Qo6kOxigeX1d5hwsQF27IOzbAP9BXfZphfXj83rfcX4TNkll0q8cikXl1Xer8/s1600/Cover+full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1117" data-original-width="1600" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS06hzO1UPQJux_bEgmPCMgp5oTRD6-w1u8OU40iNiAb90vzRCXrI9xMhZvNUwMGjWgs0JV68oMB4y6d3Qo6kOxigeX1d5hwsQF27IOzbAP9BXfZphfXj83rfcX4TNkll0q8cikXl1Xer8/s400/Cover+full.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Julian H. Preislerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11948455839877035954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243754766481531088.post-25723340406580277462014-07-31T10:24:00.001-07:002014-07-31T10:24:23.132-07:00Here are the front and back covers of my new book, "<b>The Synagogues of Central & Western Pennsylvania: A Visual Journey</b>", just published by Fonthill Media. I have signed copies available for purchase for $19.99 plus $3.50 s/h - If interested contact me at jhp1963@yahoo.com - Feel free to share the news about this book. It features 198 b&w and 32 color photographs of current, former and some demolished synagogues.<br />
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Julian H. Preislerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11948455839877035954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243754766481531088.post-73266860653235310152013-12-19T19:59:00.003-08:002013-12-19T19:59:23.599-08:00<span style="font-size: large;">Please visit my Facebook Page where I am now posting articles, links and photographs relating to <i><span style="color: blue;"><b>American synagogue architecture, Jewish Community history, Jewish genealogy</b></span></i> & related topics. I post there several times a week and include many wonderful photographs. While I will not be updating this blog, there are a lot of great synagogue photographs here that I will leave "up & running". Thanks to everyone who visited the page in the past and those who may visit it in the future. Be sure to click "like" when visiting my Facebook Page. Many thanks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/jhpreisler?ref=hl">Julian H. Preisler, Author - Facebook Page</a></span><br />
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<br />Julian H. Preislerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11948455839877035954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243754766481531088.post-65455360217004505792013-06-04T13:49:00.004-07:002013-06-04T13:49:46.296-07:00To those of you that are following my Blog I would like to say thank you for your interest and support. I have decided to close down my blog and concentrate on my postings and photos on my professional Facebook Page: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jhpreisler">https://www.facebook.com/jhpreisler</a> and my Twitter Account: <a href="https://twitter.com/Researcher25419">https://twitter.com/Researcher25419</a>. I encourage you to visit these two sites and click "like" and "Follow" to keep up with my posts. I am working on several projects now and will be postings photos and updates on both Facebook and Twitter. I have one book in the works that will be published by Fonthill Media later this year and it will be a book of photographs and history relating to the synagogues of Central and Western Pennsylvania. I am also researching the existence of Holocaust memorials and museums throughout North America and hope to put together an eBook with the results. I have also started work on two eBooks of synagogue photographs and history. One will cover the "Buckeye State" of Ohio where I used to live and the other will cover synagogues in small towns located all over the USA. Again thanks to everyone for your interest in my blog. I do hope that you will consider following me on Facebook and Twitter. Julian H. Preislerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11948455839877035954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243754766481531088.post-24921692820616973652013-04-25T09:32:00.000-07:002013-04-25T09:32:06.786-07:00It has been a while since I've posted on my blog mostly because I've been posting photographs and short articles on my Facebook Page. Have a look and click "like" to follow my posts. Topics include American synagogue architecture, Jewish genealogy, local American Jewish history, historic preservation and other architecture & history related topics. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jhpreisler">https://www.facebook.com/jhpreisler</a> - I'm currently working on two books. The first will be published by Fonthill Media and will be a book of photographs and history of synagogues in Central and Western Pennsylvania. Focus will be on Pittsburgh, Harrisburg and the many small cities and towns that either currently have synagogues or those that once had a Jewish Community and synagogue. My other project is to identify and collect images of Holocaust memorials, museums and educational centers all across North America. Covering the USA, Canada, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, so far I have indentified 310 memorials, etc. and have about 150 more to add, mostly for "town specific" memorials in NY and NJ. I plan to self-publish when the research is completed. <br />
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Since it has been too long since I posted any photos here, I will include a few related to the new Pennsylvania book. First is a photograph of the former Congregation B'nai Israel in Pittsburgh dedicated in 1923. The photo was taken some years ago when the building was still used as a Jewish house of worship. It is now the Urban League of Pittsburgh Charter School. Due to a decline in the Jewish population of the neighborhood, the Conservative congregation merged with a few other Jewish congregations in the area and formed a new congregation, Adat Shalom, in the suburb of Fox Chapel. Here is their website: <a href="http://www.adatshalompgh.org/">http://www.adatshalompgh.org/</a> Their former synagogue is one of the two most beautiful synagogues in Pittsburgh. The other one being Rodeph Shalom Congregation which is a large and very active Reform congregation located in the Oakland section of the city.<br />
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Now on to Altoona, Pennsylvania. There are two active congregations in the city. One of them is Temple Beth Israel, a Reform congregation formed in the late 19th century as the Mountain City Hebrew Reformed Congregation. Their present synagogue dates to 1927. The congregation became Temple Beth Israel in 1922. You can learn more about the congregation here: <a href="http://templebethisrael.net/">http://templebethisrael.net/</a></div>
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Julian H. Preislerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11948455839877035954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243754766481531088.post-7321701824912252312012-07-23T12:07:00.000-07:002012-07-23T12:07:12.805-07:00Harrisburg, Pennsylvania SynagoguesHarrisburg is the capital of Pennsylvania and while not a large city (city population around 50,000), there is a large and historic Jewish Community. The metro area has 7 synagogues, a Jewish Community Center, several Jewish cemeteries, all the various Jewish organizations as well as a moving Holocaust Memorial located along the riverfront. Two synagogues, Beth El and Ohev Sholom, maintain historic structures along Front Street a short distance from the downtown core. Temple Ohev Sholom is a Reform congregation founded in 1853. Their present Neo-Classical Revival synagogue was built in 1920. It is a handsome edifice facing the river. Additions have been made to the synagogue campus over the years always in harmony with the original temple building. Ohev Sholom is the largest Reform synagogue in South Central Pennsylvania and the oldest Jewish congregation. <a href="http://ohevsholom.org/">http://ohevsholom.org/</a><br />
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Beth El Temple is a Conservative congregation established in 1926. Located just up the street from Ohev Sholom, their structure is a striking combination of Moorish-Revival and Byzantine-Revival architecture. Dedicated in 1928, additions have beenmade in 1952 and 1981. Beth El Temple is the largest Jewish congregation in the area. <a href="http://www.betheltemplehbg.org/">http://www.betheltemplehbg.org/</a></div>
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In 2009 a tragic fire destroyed the entire interior of the synagogue of Congregation Chisuk Emuno, also in Harrisburg. Located a short distance from Beth El Temple, the congregation was established in 1883 and dedicated their Mid-Century Modern synagogue in 1956. That building stands boarded-up awaiting either re-use or demolition. The congregation broke ground in late 2011 on their new synagogue which will be located a short distance away from the former building. A future blog post will include photographs of their new building once it is completed. <a href="http://www.chisukemuna.org/">http://www.chisukemuna.org/</a></div>
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Harrisburg also has an Orthodox congregation, Kesher Israel, established in 1902. Their Mid-Century Modern synagogue is located in the vicinity of Beth El Temple and the former Chisuk Emuno synagogue. I will post photos of their building when I make another trip up to Harrisburg. Jewish congregations also exist in Carlisle, Mechanicsburg and Middletown, all in the metro Harrisburg-Hershey area. Mechanicsburg's Temple Beth Shalom is the only Reconstructionist Jewish congregation in Central Pennsylvania. <a href="http://tbshalom.org/">http://tbshalom.org/</a></div>Julian H. Preislerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11948455839877035954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243754766481531088.post-25332492069738836112012-07-03T13:44:00.004-07:002012-07-03T13:44:53.331-07:00New Synagogue Photos on My Facebook PageLately, I have been posting more and more synagogue photographs and history on my Facebook Page - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jhpreisler">https://www.facebook.com/jhpreisler</a> - I invite you to visit the page and take a look at the images and accompanying historical data. More to come.Julian H. Preislerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11948455839877035954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243754766481531088.post-32514689018895996802012-04-30T10:15:00.000-07:002012-04-30T10:15:27.252-07:00<strong>Washington, DC Historic Synagogues</strong><br />
I just posted some information and my photographs of three historic synagogues in Washington, DC - The former Adas Israel Congregation now the Sixth and I Historic Synagogue; the former Washington Hebrew Congregation now the Greater New Hope Baptist Church; and the Lillian & Albert Small Jewish Museum which was the original Adas Israel from 1876. You can see it on my Facebook Page: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Julian-H-Preisler/122194607887961">https://www.facebook.com/pages/Julian-H-Preisler/122194607887961</a>Julian H. Preislerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11948455839877035954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243754766481531088.post-38450118940249362942012-04-26T18:14:00.000-07:002012-04-26T18:14:50.727-07:00Just a quick post with photographs of some of my favorite US synagogues. First is a small synagogue in Sandusky, Ohio. Oheb Shalom Temple is such a classic 1950's style synagogue and eventhough it is a small building it really has some design punch. the congregation was established in 1905 and the current building dates to 1956. Here is a link to their website: <a href="http://www.ohebshalomtemple.com/">http://www.ohebshalomtemple.com/</a><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photograph By Julian H. Preisler 2011</span></strong></div>
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<br />Congregation Agudas Achim in Columbus (Bexley), Ohio was established in 1881 and is the oldest "traditional" Jewish congregation in the city. Their present East Broad Street synagogue dedicated in 1951 is a well known Bexley landmark and contains a beautiful Holocaust Memorial on the grounds. The building has been expanded and renovated over the years the met the needs of a growing congregation. Find out more on their website: <a href="http://agudasachim.org/">http://agudasachim.org/</a></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photograph By Julian H. Preisler 2011</span></strong></div>
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<br />I found out about this small gem of a synagogue a few years ago and am glad to now have some photographs of it courtesy of Charles "Chip" Rayman. This was his family's congregation. Again, the structure is a Mid-Century Modern gem in Tupelo, Mississippi. The congregation traces its beginnings to 1936 with the formation of the Northeast Mississippi Sisterhood. Jews had settled in Lee County as early as the 1850's though there were not enough in the Community to formalize a Jewish congregation until 1939. This is a rare instance where a Jewish Sisterhood preceded the formation of an actual congregation. The present Mi-Century Modern building was dedicated in 1957. In 2007 a new Bima and Ark were dedicated in commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the synagogue. A new library was dedicated in 2009. Despite its small size, this congregation carries on a long tradtion of activity and providing a Jewish presence in the town known for Elvis Presley.</div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photographs Courtesy of Chip Rayman 2011</span></strong></div>
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<br />Just so my readers/viewers will not think that I only like MCM style buildings, though they are my favorites, here is a beautiful example of the Moorish Revival style used on many American synagogues in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Congregation B'nai B'rith was established in Savannah, Georgia in 1861 and this building was dedicated in 1909. It was in use until 1962 when the congregation dedicated a new modern synagogue. The former synagogue was used as a church until 2003 when it was acquird by the Savannah College of Art & Design for use as a Student Center. The building has since been beautifully restored. The current synagogue of the congregation is a rather brutally plain MCM style building, but the Wall behind the Bima is an explosion of style, color and design. There is an image on their website: <a href="http://www.bbjsynagogue.com/home.cfm/page/Our_Synagogue.html">http://www.bbjsynagogue.com/home.cfm/page/Our_Synagogue.html</a></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Wikipedia Image By Hermann Luyken Used With Permission</span></strong></div>
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One more.....Shearith Israel Congregation is the oldest and most historic Jewish Congregation in the USA having been established in 1654 by Jews of Sephardic origin who settled in what was the Dutch colony of Neuw Amsterdam. The congregation, also known as the "Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue" has had six buildings over the last three hundred plus years. Their current synagogue is a stately Neoclassical edifice on Central Park West that was dedicated in 1896. For more information please visit their website: <a href="http://www.shearithisrael.org/">http://www.shearithisrael.org/</a></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photograph By Julian H. Preisler 2010</span></strong></div>
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Julian H. Preislerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11948455839877035954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243754766481531088.post-2356713345501598642012-04-13T10:48:00.000-07:002012-04-13T10:48:57.313-07:00I've been making an effort to be more active on my "professional" Facebook page and have posted some interesting new synagogue photographs. There are several from Western Pennsylvania that show simple and clean design on Mid-Century Modern synagogues in small towns outside of Pittsburgh. Please take a look <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Julian-H-Preisler/122194607887961">https://www.facebook.com/pages/Julian-H-Preisler/122194607887961</a> and do click "like" if you feel so inclined. As you can tell by many of my posts, I have a great interest in small town synagogues and especially those that were built in the 1950's and 1960's.Julian H. Preislerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11948455839877035954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243754766481531088.post-46113301577757130142012-03-30T11:21:00.000-07:002012-03-30T11:21:56.855-07:00<strong><u>Three Beautiful West Virginia Synagogues</u></strong><br />
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A quick posting of photographs of three historic West Virginia Jewish Congregations. While the state's Jewish Community is small in size, there are active and historic Jewish congregations. Here are just three from Charleston and Wheeling. Temple Shalom in Wheeling is the oldest Jewish congregation in the state having been established in 1849. Formed as Congregation L'Shem Shomayim, the present congregation resulted from a merger of the Synagogue of Israel (Conservative) and L'Shem Shomayim (Reform). Known today as Temple Shalom, the congregation has been located in their beautiful Mid-Century Modern synagogue on Bethany Pike since the late 1950's. It is the only domed synagogue in West Virginia. It is beautifully maintained and has wonderful stained glass windows. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photos by Julian H. Preisler 2009</span></div>
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Temple Israel (Congregation B'nai Israel) in Charleston was formally chartered in 1873 though it was informally organized in 1856. It is the largest Reform congregation in the state and located just steps from the Capitol building on Kanawha Boulevard. The present Mid-Century Modern temple was dedicated in 1960 and is an imposing structure. There is a large main sanctuary, library, school and auditorium. The small chapel contains artifacts from the old Virginia Street Temple building and the synagogue lobby contains stained glass from the old temple. You can learn more about the congregation at <a href="http://www.templeisraelwv.org/">www.templeisraelwv.org</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo by Julian H. Preisler 2009</span></div>
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B'nai Jacob Synagogue in Charleston is the largest Jewish congregation in West Virginia and also the only "traditional" synagogue to be found in the state today. It was established in 1894 as an Orthodox congregation. Located near the Capitol building, the large synagogue complex contains a very spacious sanctuary, daily chapel, library, gymnasium, school building and also an extensive congregation archives and memorabilia room. Built in 1950, the synagogue was designed in a more restrained Mid-Century Modern style compared to that of Temple Israel and Temple Shalom. The stained glass windows on the facade of the synagogue are known throughout the area for their dramatic beauty. It is a very active congregation along with Temple Israel in Charleston. For more information please see: <a href="http://www.bnaijacob.com/">www.bnaijacob.com</a></div>
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For more information on the synagogues of West Virginia, Jewish history in the state and vintage images please see my book: "<strong><em>Jewish West Virginia</em></strong>" published by Arcadia Publishing <a href="http://jpreisler.com/JewishWestVirginiaBook.htm">http://jpreisler.com/JewishWestVirginiaBook.htm</a></div>
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</div>Julian H. Preislerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11948455839877035954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243754766481531088.post-41537198582283798942011-10-11T12:47:00.000-07:002011-10-11T12:50:31.094-07:00Small Town Synagogues In North CarolinaJust a quick posting today regarding some small synagogues in North Carolina... Gastonia, Rocky Mount and Statesville. Three buildings that are each beautiful and important in their own right. Gastonia, North Carolina is the home of Temple Emanuel, a small Reform synagogue, that continues to represent the Jewish Community with vigor. A classical-revival style synagogue that is located on a busy street corner, the congregation was founded in 1913 as the Hebrew Congregation of Gastonia. The current synagogue was built in 1929.<br />
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Rocky Mount is home to Temple Beth El a very small Reform congregation, that unfortunately, has seen better days in terms of membership and activity. What was once a vibrant mid-sized Jewish congregation, is now a proud, but almost disappearing congregation. This is an all too present situation in many small towns across the USA. Declines in manufacturing, retailing and changing demographic patters have affected once vibrant Jewish Communities. Temple Beth El is a modest, but nice brick synagogue designed in a somewhat modern style with some traditional architectural touches and beautiful stained glass windows. Founded ca. 1921, the present synagogue dates to 1949.<br />
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Statesville, North Carolina is home to the one of the oldest synagogue structures in the state. Congregation Emanuel is located in a quiet residential area hear downtown. Established in 1883, the present building was designed in the Romanesque-Revival style and dedicated in 1892. It is beautifully maintained. Today, Congregational Emanuel is a small vibrant congregation that continues to represent Judaism in Statesville.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY_NpmKoBoi9eDCTW6QWykiwEP31pkSmZXhj5jV2SzFIQtjHCalI0F8f3utIMmHbFCrMtiBWq_RCI70GwCsOC-LxoGIUkV0pHS393ksjcXTdfbdzXspfqS1vzCVpgTZjaVpM5PzrtB7_49/s1600/NC%252C+Statesville.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="267" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY_NpmKoBoi9eDCTW6QWykiwEP31pkSmZXhj5jV2SzFIQtjHCalI0F8f3utIMmHbFCrMtiBWq_RCI70GwCsOC-LxoGIUkV0pHS393ksjcXTdfbdzXspfqS1vzCVpgTZjaVpM5PzrtB7_49/s320/NC%252C+Statesville.jpg" /></a></div>Julian H. Preislerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11948455839877035954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243754766481531088.post-42474835269878322852011-09-27T12:48:00.000-07:002011-09-27T12:55:13.281-07:00Re-Using Former SynagoguesHappy Jewish New Year 5772. I recently became a particpant on Twitter and have posted several interesting synagogue photographs. I have been pleased at the interest shown and now realize how much interest exists within the niche of synagogue architecture and synagogue history. Synagogue life is ever changing especially in times of growth and also times of economic depression. Congregations move, merge, expand, close and/or downsize. Many small town Jewish congregations continue to become smaller due to population declines. This is not always the case as there are examples of new Jewish congregation being formed outside major population centers in Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Florida to name just a few places. There are many smaller congregations in the South and Midwest, that despite their small size, are holding their own and remain vital to the community. I began thinking about all of this when I learned that a small synagogue in Gadsden, Alabama recently closed. The synagogue landscape is always changing, some of it good, some not. One of the most important ideas for me is to assure that a closed congregation's history and records are preserved for future generations and that a photographic record of their former synagogue building is made. This is especially true for the "everyday" type of building. Whether or not a building is historic or grand looking or important really doesn't matter in the scheme of things when it comes to documenting history. That being said, making sure that a historic or architecturally significant building that once housed a synagogue is noted and preserved if possible is also extremely important. Former synagogues that have historic value have become museums and cultural venues, etc. Some have found more utilitarian uses. The Institute for Southern Jewish Learning (Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience) is one group leading the way in making sure that history is preserved and that former Southern synagogues are re-purposed in a meaningful way, thus ensuring that the legacy of a Jewish Community is remembered and preserved. Below are a couple of my photographs of synagogues that have found new uses and escaped the all too common wrecking ball. Often the new use of a former synagogue is mundane such as an apartment building, but I always feel that it is much more important to save a unique building no matter what the use.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKdsLlccAtFwdqdDKCAKXjNBZewM4GvPRqKbTyzcJNPMKP3CHb0cg_oYK-sZe9FuWOFvF2O4pOUpcjJJfXvuO0kcauEQ6Na2DgmiUUNA0vi-yoQ1G0X59JHWR9uqdwLDG1kP1Z76jwlm7/s1600/AR%252C+Helena+-+Temple+Beth+El.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="213" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKdsLlccAtFwdqdDKCAKXjNBZewM4GvPRqKbTyzcJNPMKP3CHb0cg_oYK-sZe9FuWOFvF2O4pOUpcjJJfXvuO0kcauEQ6Na2DgmiUUNA0vi-yoQ1G0X59JHWR9uqdwLDG1kP1Z76jwlm7/s320/AR%252C+Helena+-+Temple+Beth+El.jpg" /></a></div>Former Temple Beth El - Helena, Arkansas<br />
Use as a cultural & history center<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHy4wKN1lq3H3yBMWNW7knUet5m0kCPwFeDN01yJ-LPZ78qohVNKIGdGh67MY2FJBPoJjyTh5dZ6cKaqxPngKKiDG6ahnPoAOoluziGnEppgA_JfTdagBSm3AwtRc1JwEQtxGicQcHSo4j/s1600/PA%252C+Pittsburgh+-+Tree+of+Life+Synagogue.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="243" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHy4wKN1lq3H3yBMWNW7knUet5m0kCPwFeDN01yJ-LPZ78qohVNKIGdGh67MY2FJBPoJjyTh5dZ6cKaqxPngKKiDG6ahnPoAOoluziGnEppgA_JfTdagBSm3AwtRc1JwEQtxGicQcHSo4j/s320/PA%252C+Pittsburgh+-+Tree+of+Life+Synagogue.JPG" /></a></div>Former Tree of Life Synagogue - Pittsburgh, PA<br />
Community playhouse & theater<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji__El6ZSOhVfZgGF_ceLphYke1Hk_h_t0ck-8k3qqQsWK1y7Ffbme0Z20Hgf_Rd6BTvftOVYfCc6iQ_LTRfkh3g9yRC0JOnObz_5oqbncXXZAtUTr_kdkY1npooSxQA6a1wNiJ-u1_rHB/s1600/MS%252C+Port+Gibson+-+Gemiluth+Chassed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="250" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji__El6ZSOhVfZgGF_ceLphYke1Hk_h_t0ck-8k3qqQsWK1y7Ffbme0Z20Hgf_Rd6BTvftOVYfCc6iQ_LTRfkh3g9yRC0JOnObz_5oqbncXXZAtUTr_kdkY1npooSxQA6a1wNiJ-u1_rHB/s320/MS%252C+Port+Gibson+-+Gemiluth+Chassed.jpg" /></a></div>Former Gemiluth Chassed Temple - Port Gibson, Mississippi restored though presently vacant<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFv59v9YcsvF87evo2izDckgwBYCrLUxpRIk5qOdDNcOP8fMqfM9go4Ysrr7neh3TPsCoOfU4M3fINnWoXVgBWIgllqx79MDPvYFOsrE0A9tQs5t7a1NYVA_Q1_Bgt5Hqk9OeSYBjE9rJ4/s1600/PA%252C+Tarentum+-+Ohev+Sholom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="256" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFv59v9YcsvF87evo2izDckgwBYCrLUxpRIk5qOdDNcOP8fMqfM9go4Ysrr7neh3TPsCoOfU4M3fINnWoXVgBWIgllqx79MDPvYFOsrE0A9tQs5t7a1NYVA_Q1_Bgt5Hqk9OeSYBjE9rJ4/s320/PA%252C+Tarentum+-+Ohev+Sholom.jpg" /></a></div>Former Oev Sholom Synagogue - Tarentum, Pennsylvania<br />
Now used as an apartment houseJulian H. Preislerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11948455839877035954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243754766481531088.post-48703239910224550682011-08-25T22:47:00.000-07:002011-08-27T17:28:52.150-07:00Temple Beth El - Bradford, PennsylvaniaThis is the first in a series of posts I plan to write regarding the subject of synagogue downsizing, the closing of many synagogues and the increase in synagogue mergers taking place. The economy, demographic changes, shifting populations and, in many cases, an aging congregational membership base, all have led to changes in the American synagogue landscape in the past few years. While these phenomena are certainly not new within the American Jewish Community, it is my opinion that the frequency of these changes is increasing steadily. One example out of several that I will be talking about is Temple Beth El located in Bradford, Pennsylvania. Bradford is a small city in rural northern Pennsylvania, about 78 miles south of Buffalo. The area was once a large manufacturing and oil producing area. Established in 1958 through the merger of Temple Beth Zion and Congregation Beth Israel, Temple Beth El ultimately traces its beginnings to 1879 when the Bradford Hebrew Congregation was established as the first Jewish congregation in the city. A new Mid-Century Modern style synagogue for Temple Beth El was dedicated in 1961. It featured simple, modern lines, but had a very unique stylized menorah sculpture on the exterior wall with small colored windows to simulate candles on the menorah. The congregation peaked in the 1960's, and by the 1980's the Jewish population had begun to decline in Bradford. In 2000 the congregation made plans to become a lay-led congregation and find smaller, more suitable quarters. In 2006, Temple Beth El moved to a remodeled former church building on Clarence Street in Bradford. Temple Beth El continues to serve five counties, providing a place for Jewish worship and cultural activities . Despite its reduced size, Temple Beth El took the steps to adapt and change in order to remain a viable Jewish institution in a decidedly non-Jewish area of Pennsylvania. For a more detailed history and an image of their current temple, please visit Temple Beth El's website: http://pa002.urj.net/<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCFcTGHGUKzORd7pStvEu2pI6IsW0hBJMyTHIaU2JCokbtSn5Wngh5IXWKsb95l7VJZ91lOGiFRtTmJQbkZ44Imrdin7GhFJj_PM2C7ohnEm8uMmr_kyFNSyAEl8fBaXQpQFw1D8be92Kh/s1600/PA%252C+Bradford+-+Beth+Zion+1945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="251" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCFcTGHGUKzORd7pStvEu2pI6IsW0hBJMyTHIaU2JCokbtSn5Wngh5IXWKsb95l7VJZ91lOGiFRtTmJQbkZ44Imrdin7GhFJj_PM2C7ohnEm8uMmr_kyFNSyAEl8fBaXQpQFw1D8be92Kh/s320/PA%252C+Bradford+-+Beth+Zion+1945.jpg" /></a></div><i>Photo from temple archives, Courtesy of Todd Halpern<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFlK3p6PVOVI_oT-IZbmpwrXqksLupJ1qW3_yapgNHMbwOLdWwr-kMKLsP4ai3ZoelkxeAF1tksZEaf-4MWHO9VowEsu20P8pGgToVy9oF-GBrpbCJN_Zi_FL9o1OWv87LaAsECDFAEZ5r/s1600/PA%252C+Bradford+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="214" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFlK3p6PVOVI_oT-IZbmpwrXqksLupJ1qW3_yapgNHMbwOLdWwr-kMKLsP4ai3ZoelkxeAF1tksZEaf-4MWHO9VowEsu20P8pGgToVy9oF-GBrpbCJN_Zi_FL9o1OWv87LaAsECDFAEZ5r/s320/PA%252C+Bradford+1.jpg" /></a></div><i>Photo by Linda Perlman 2004, Courtesy of Todd Halpern<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFcVv9BrnR8DavKtlyF802cjLk8LX5tD3EfbTAU9s3StQ_lxXH08Y2uxt8R9cZ_hto8_yTNZI3hKx7TLrIInIM9JGeDqnUSVXEbRH0v47PAGuyWcNbqZsFjWY7yqTWNvBvesPuWNuLqdDn/s1600/PA%252C+Bradford+-+Temple+Beth+El+new.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="193" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFcVv9BrnR8DavKtlyF802cjLk8LX5tD3EfbTAU9s3StQ_lxXH08Y2uxt8R9cZ_hto8_yTNZI3hKx7TLrIInIM9JGeDqnUSVXEbRH0v47PAGuyWcNbqZsFjWY7yqTWNvBvesPuWNuLqdDn/s320/PA%252C+Bradford+-+Temple+Beth+El+new.jpg" /></a></div><i>Image from Temple Beth El website<br />
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Julian H. Preislerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11948455839877035954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243754766481531088.post-26800734791435428962011-08-15T14:02:00.000-07:002011-08-16T10:14:24.211-07:00Beth Israel in Gadsden, Alabama has closed<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nOxzeXZ9TXw/TkmNNyrtH3I/AAAAAAAAARY/ObCekT2H8Go/s1600/AL%252C%2BGadsden%2B2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nOxzeXZ9TXw/TkmNNyrtH3I/AAAAAAAAARY/ObCekT2H8Go/s320/AL%252C%2BGadsden%2B2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641195276341157746" /></a>
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<br />I recently learned that a wonderful small Jewish congregation in Gadsden, Alabama closed their doors due to a continued decline in the local Jewish population. Beth Israel was one of the synagogues featured in my cd-rom book, "American Synagogues: A Photographic Journey". Their house of worship was a beautiful classical style synagogue built in 1922 and maintained beautifully through the years. Established as a formal congregation in 1908, Beth Israel closed in 2010 bringing to an end another chapter of Alabama Jewish history and small town American jewish history. The leaders of the congregation decided to give the temple building to the city of Gadsden for use as a cultural and historical venue. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congregation_Beth_Israel_(Gadsden,_Alabama)"></a><a href="http://www.gadsdentimes.com/article/20110624/news/110629847"></a> Julian H. Preislerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11948455839877035954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243754766481531088.post-64719407865818616982011-06-16T11:16:00.001-07:002011-08-17T18:08:10.575-07:00Historic Synagogues of Philadelphia & The Delaware ValleyI posted a short photograph slideshow video to YouTube with a selection of images from my book, "<strong>Historic Synagogues of Philadelphia & The Delaware Valley</STRONG>" published by The History Press. The book features present-day and vintage images of current and former synagogues with detailed photo captions. The book covers Philadelphia, the suburbs and also Delaware and much of Southern New Jersey. I look forward to your comments and feedback. http://www.youtube.com/user/mimofan63Julian H. Preislerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11948455839877035954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243754766481531088.post-56276014013567485212010-11-20T10:25:00.000-08:002011-08-17T18:00:19.572-07:00American Synagogues SlideshowI created a short slideshow of 59 assorted images taken from my cd-rom, <em>American Synagogues: A Photographic Journey</em>. The slideshow provides a nice sampling of the over 1400 synagogues featured on the cd-rom. You can also view it in full screen. If you would like to find out more about this cd-rom, order a copy of the cd-rom or learn of my plans for the second edition (expanded & revised) please visit my website: <a href="http://www.americansynagoguearchitecture.com/">http://www.americansynagoguearchitecture.com/</a>. I will be starting the process of acquiring photographs for the second edition, so if you would like to take some photos of synagogues in your town or city, or if you are a member of a synagogue and would like to have images of your congregation in the book, please e-mail me at <a href="mailto:jhp1963@yahoo.com">jhp1963@yahoo.com</a> - As always I welcome your comments.<br />
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<object width="560" height="420"><param name="movie" value="http://pf.kizoa.com/sflite.swf?did=1173090&k=P129418278&hk=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://pf.kizoa.com/sflite.swf?did=1173090&k=P129418278&hk=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="278" height="284" allowFullScreen="true"></embed></object>Julian H. Preislerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11948455839877035954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243754766481531088.post-59415265357375466542010-08-24T20:18:00.000-07:002010-08-24T20:28:40.609-07:00"Jewish West Virginia" my new book from Arcadia Publishing<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifrr4VarusLMWJBuwQoYGo6iA2iUN-uXD28eK57AOkuXWPf2OwhTC5STbkcPMXPnngemuXPlpPXcJEeS7iXKx3s20z70OzCOnlU93ay6_JoDyCR3oSMXZDqnKPU9GOdtSxBHQ4FW_HQKB0/s1600/Jewish+West+Virginia+book+cover.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 222px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509183092548391954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifrr4VarusLMWJBuwQoYGo6iA2iUN-uXD28eK57AOkuXWPf2OwhTC5STbkcPMXPnngemuXPlpPXcJEeS7iXKx3s20z70OzCOnlU93ay6_JoDyCR3oSMXZDqnKPU9GOdtSxBHQ4FW_HQKB0/s320/Jewish+West+Virginia+book+cover.jpg" /></a><br /><div>For those of you interested in American Jewish history, local Jewish history and West Virginia history I am pleased to announce that my new book, "Jewish West Virginia" has been published by Arcadia Publishing and is now available for purchase. This book features 200 vintage and current photographs and images that help to tell the story of Jewish life and history in the "Mountain State" of West Virginia. Synagogues, old Jewish businesses, Jewish family photos and views of other Jewish related sites in the state are included along with detailed photo captions. This is the first book of its kind to touch on Jewish history in West Virginia from a popular culture viewpoint. Most of the images in the book have not been published before. Books are available from Arcadia and signed copies are available directly from me. Contact me at <a href="mailto:jhp1963@yahoo.com">jhp1963@yahoo.com</a>. I will be working on another such book of images and history of West Virgina's Jews and Jewish Communities and welcome hearing from those of you who may have an interest in the topic and also who may have vintage photographs that could possibly be included in a future publication.</div>Julian H. Preislerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11948455839877035954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243754766481531088.post-6141165373936087772010-05-18T14:52:00.000-07:002010-05-19T00:39:26.317-07:00Seattle's Temple de Hirsch Sinai<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 338px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 261px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472743316190402658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig5445dZNJ-PkPsmDg0KFG-UpDqy79bmQj0wxSITt3CfXz_7bzQJPj27UYUmwpwrZZO_TKw8BCC3v7AOsZr23X45KQuWLWKoyGgs1tmLcHlJlJU7F37tBH3xCHXDBE3r15Yjy2v3PgENNX/s320/WA,+Seattle+-+Temple+de+Hirsch+Sinai+1.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 333px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 242px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472743324979566034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9utPggRHXgOLW-WuN3GN8kKhaMhA2fSm1LvCcCCY2P2JttRSxhhCHHogWPBj_SI60raUbcjoXj9JEOnwrWqHz9jV8IDJZWQCnAhBFju0sXEj8lhzr0g1LCFhJMlZ2R96oyAp45RhWpwvt/s320/WA,+Seattle+-+Temple+de+Hirsch+Sinai+2.JPG" /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 330px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 251px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472743326784917762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiexVKIUb4CZsX92nMzW0GFMiNBJrcfvpVJTYvZc8OjRW61Rk6N5cEcpr-CVvH3Iy5yVlPSUbG2-QAec_h9guWVVJKuzV4YdR_3Mng8ysPKrSTpCir4CcmBYOZdtNElU0GTiZwBGtKoc93R/s320/WA,+Seattle+-+Temple+Ruins+1.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 327px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 246px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472743336156179378" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xxMexi52mtI/S_MXEYJ5q7I/AAAAAAAAALk/Ic6Bt-ldSZo/s320/WA,+Seattle+-+Temple+Ruins+2.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 275px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472743342230130098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGZH6yhFRoII0Olz-vnIaG6JA4_2oa9ItfQJ41NgdiuOJstPOi7mfc54eLi-aqE0ge9eyfsueJrAxajbGrhqGgfLgqtsg4YwcuXKh4B3cThNVWa97e5WE4lF_qXrhTt-_dQgl5ADmnFHM0/s320/WA,+Seattle+-+Temple+Ruins+3.JPG" /><br /><div><div><div><div>I'm visiting Seattle and had a chance to photograph the exterior of one of the largest and oldest Jewish congregations in Seattle. The in-town synagogue of Temple de Hirsch Sinai is located on Pike Street in the Capitol Hill neighborhood and is very close to downtown Seattle. The Alhadeff Sanctuary is, once again, a beautiful example of 'Mid Century Modern' design. It is rather simple in its design, but the large scale and height of the sanctuary give the building a rather massive and impressive feel. The look of the sanctuary evokes the feel of a modern domed worship space. Very clean and simple architectural lines make this a wonderful piece of modern architecture. </div><br /><div></div><div>Seattle's Temple de Hirsch was established as a Reform congregation in 1899. Belleview's Temple Sinai was founded in 1961. The two congregations merged in 1971 forming the present congregation. It is the largest Reform congregation in the Pacific Northwest. The Alhadeff Sanctuary of the Seattle Campus on Pike Street was completed in 1960. Adjacent to the temple complex one will find portions of the facade of the old 1908 temple. The old temple was demolished in 1993 after unsuccessful attempts at re-use, but a portion of the facade was saved. The area of the old temple now serves as a small park along with the architectural remains. </div></div></div></div></div>Julian H. Preislerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11948455839877035954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3243754766481531088.post-46632638804922664322010-04-30T11:30:00.000-07:002010-05-19T00:41:22.153-07:00Welcome Readers<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi88BGCL_Ee9HPfpOHLRdi0PSTmcQJrso3hq9j5Sht4F86_uEAeYzQ0AI_ZEgYNg2QiIV85Wu88tBAZrOhz_Exs_R5xVtFkBAeZ1CW6DVJ81LBUpQbSkIupoCYwrLQGzJRQRCP8qRkNh-4w/s1600/OH,+Canton+ST+4.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 229px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466010331676609378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi88BGCL_Ee9HPfpOHLRdi0PSTmcQJrso3hq9j5Sht4F86_uEAeYzQ0AI_ZEgYNg2QiIV85Wu88tBAZrOhz_Exs_R5xVtFkBAeZ1CW6DVJ81LBUpQbSkIupoCYwrLQGzJRQRCP8qRkNh-4w/s320/OH,+Canton+ST+4.jpg" /></a><br />Welcome to my blog. My blog is intended to be an informal look at the topic of American synagogue architecture and its associated congregational histories. The range of postings will cover both current and former synagogues as well as those that, unfortunately, have been demolished over the years. All sizes, locations, styles and time-periods will be touched upon. Though not formally trained in architecture I have studied synagogue architecture and history for many years and consider myself well-versed on the topic. I look forward to sharing images and history and welcome photos, information and suggestions/comments from readers.<br /><br />The synagogue pictured in the blog heading is that of Shaarey Torah Synagogue in Canton, Ohio. It is a classic example of the 'Mid-Century Modern' style of architecture. The Conservative congregation was established in 1890 and their current synagogue was built in 1958. Their domed sanctuary was a typical design element of the period and gives the building a somewhat "Jetson Space-Age" feel. The synagogue of Congregation Ohav Zedek in nearby Youngstown, Ohio is of a similar design and was most likely designed by the same architecture firm. Shaarey Torah is one of three synagogues (Orthodox, Reform and Conservative) in Canton and is an active congregation. The previous building still stands and I will post photos of it as well as Temple Israel in Canton in a later posting. Canton's Jewish Community has declined in size over the years but still includes a Jewish Community Center, Jewish newspaper and several local Jewish organizations. There currently are plans to consolidate the JCC, Temple Israel and Shaarey Torah at a remodeled and greatly expanded Shaarey Torah location. The JCC and Temple Israel would be sold and each entity would have space at the new remodeled location creating a small Jewish Community Campus.Julian H. Preislerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11948455839877035954noreply@blogger.com0