Breed Street Shul, Byzantine Revival synagogue in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, US
Breed Street Shul is a synagogue in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, built with unreinforced masonry featuring alternating bands of brick, cast stone accents, and organic decorative motifs. The structure displays characteristic design elements typical of early 20th century religious architecture in the region.
The synagogue opened in 1915 and served as the largest Orthodox Jewish congregation west of Chicago until 1951, accommodating a rapidly growing immigrant population. It eventually declined with changing neighborhoods and closed its doors in 1996 before community efforts began to preserve it.
The synagogue served as the heart of the Jewish community in this neighborhood, where families gathered for religious observances and cultural celebrations. Its presence shaped the identity of the area during the decades when the congregation was most active.
Access may be limited during ongoing restoration work, so it is best to check what areas are open before visiting. The building is located in a residential neighborhood with good public transit access and walking paths nearby.
The building housed a school founded in 1945 that became the city's first Jewish parochial elementary school. This educational center played a key role in supporting the community's children and was deeply intertwined with the synagogue's mission.
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