Temple of Israel, Reform synagogue in Wilmington, North Carolina, US

The Temple of Israel is a house of worship in Wilmington that combines Greek Revival details with Moorish Revival design throughout its structure. The building merges elements from both architectural traditions in its exterior and interior spaces.

Sephardic Jews reached North Carolina in the early 18th century, and Wilmington's Hebrew cemetery opened in 1855. An Orthodox congregation formed in 1867 but did not succeed; in 1872 German Jews started a Reform congregation, and their synagogue was dedicated on May 12, 1876. It is the oldest synagogue in North Carolina.

The congregation gathers here to observe Shabbat and maintain Jewish traditions through regular worship and education. This place serves as a spiritual and social center where community members connect with their faith.

The building sits in downtown Wilmington and is easy to locate and access. Visitors should contact ahead to learn about service times and any specific guidelines for attendance.

The building is a contributing property in the Wilmington Historic District, and its Moorish Revival design, with horseshoe arches and twin towers topped by golden onion domes, is unlike anything else in the city. Arthur Bluethenthal, a Princeton All-American football player and World War I pilot, was a member of the congregation.