Temple Beth-El, Reform synagogue in Providence, Rhode Island.
Temple Beth-El is a neoclassical synagogue on Broad Street in Providence featuring two prominent Corinthian columns and symmetrical design with pedimented facades. The two-story building serves as a testament to early 20th-century Reform Jewish architecture and community worship spaces.
The congregation was founded in 1849 by Orthodox Jews as the Sons of Israel and joined the Reform movement in 1877 through the Union of American Hebrew Congregations. This shift from Orthodox to Reform practices marked a significant change in the community's religious direction.
The building reflects early 20th-century Reform Jewish practices, where families worshipped together rather than in separate sections of the sanctuary. The two-story layout shows how the congregation expressed its values through the organization of worship space.
The building requires substantial renovation work and is currently not accessible to visitors. The City of Providence manages purchase options for preservation purposes and can provide information to those interested in the project.
The building appeared eight times on the Providence Preservation Society's Most Endangered Buildings list, highlighting its struggle since a prolonged closure. Despite the deterioration, it remains a compelling example of architectural resilience in the heart of the city.
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