Congregation B'nai Israel Synagogue

Congregation B'nai Israel Synagogue on Wagner Avenue is a house of worship with Neo-Classical details, wooden clapboard siding, a gabled roof, and stained glass windows decorated with Star of David designs. The building accommodates both religious services and community gatherings in the region.

The congregation was founded in 1918 by six farmers who initially gathered in private homes before purchasing land and constructing this building in the 1920s. The construction marked a shift from private to public religious spaces for the Jewish community in the Catskills.

The interior design blends Jewish religious traditions with classical architectural style in a meaningful way. The tripartite ark with carved doors and Corinthian columns shows how local builders wove together Jewish and western design approaches.

The building is active from late June through the High Holidays and offers regular worship services and community events. Visitors should note that opening times vary based on the season and religious calendar.

The building is the only one in the region with an exposed truss roof system that makes the ceiling structure visible. This architectural feature sets it apart from other synagogues in the Catskills and offers visitors an unexpected view of how it was built.