Beth Israel Synagogue

Beth Israel Synagogue is a wooden religious building constructed in 1906 that features two square corner towers topped with onion domes, creating a symmetrical composition. The structure showcases Moorish Revival design elements typical of Jewish congregations in early 20th century America.

German Jewish immigrants established the congregation in 1865 and built the wooden structure in 1906 on Concord Street. The building transitioned to a different religious purpose in 1972 when the original congregation moved elsewhere.

The design draws from Moorish architectural traditions that held meaning for Jewish communities seeking to express their identity in America. The building's visual language reflects how immigrant congregations adapted European forms to create something distinctly their own in a new country.

The building remains an active place of worship and can be viewed from the street to appreciate its distinctive architectural features. Visitors should be respectful of its current religious function when approaching or photographing the structure.

This wooden structure with onion domes stands alone in Connecticut as the only surviving synagogue building with this particular combination of features. Its rarity highlights how few similar religious buildings with this specific architectural treatment exist in the northeastern United States.

Location: Connecticut

Architectural style: Moorish Revival architecture

GPS coordinates: 41.09278,-73.42000

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:23