Temple Beth-El, Art Deco synagogue in Florida, United States

Temple Beth-El is a synagogue in Florida designed in the Art Deco style of the 1930s. The building features geometric patterns and gleaming decorative details visible on both the exterior and throughout the interior spaces.

The building opened in 1933 during a time of rapid architectural innovation across Florida. Its design reflects how Jewish communities in America embraced modern building styles of their era.

Temple Beth-El has belonged to the Union for Reform Judaism since its founding in 1876, and its services have followed Reform practice from the start. A large share of today's members are converts from other faiths, and others descend from the original founders or from immigrants from Eastern Europe, Israel and the Caucasus. Paula Ackerman, born into the congregation in 1893, served as its acting rabbi from 1962 to 1963, the first woman to perform rabbinical functions in the United States.

The synagogue stands at 800 North Palafox Street in downtown Pensacola, an easy walk from the city centre. It is an active Reform congregation, so visits are best arranged around service times rather than treated as a museum stop; contact the office ahead to ask about attending or touring. Men traditionally cover their heads inside.

Paula Ackerman, a member of the congregation from birth, served as its acting rabbi from 1962 to 1963, the first woman to perform rabbinical functions in the United States. The congregation also includes an unusually large number of converts from other faiths.