Congregation Beth Israel West Side Jewish Center, Neoclassical synagogue in Garment District, Manhattan, United States
Congregation Beth Israel West Side Jewish Center is a three-story synagogue in Neoclassical style featuring columns and symmetrical design elements on West 34th Street. The building displays classical proportions and architectural details characteristic of early-20th-century religious structures.
German and Austro-Hungarian Jewish immigrants founded the congregation in 1885, with the current building constructed in 1925 near Penn Station. The location reflected the needs of the expanding Jewish community in the surrounding area during that era.
The congregation serves as a gathering place for multiple generations of Jewish families across Manhattan, hosting religious observances and community events. Visitors can observe how the building remains embedded in neighborhood life as a space for shared traditions and connection.
The site is located near Penn Station and accessible through multiple subway lines and regional train connections. Visitors should confirm service times in advance, as schedules vary depending on religious observances and community events.
In 2007, the congregation placed a large commercial billboard on the building to generate funds for maintenance and upkeep. This pragmatic approach was accepted by members as a way to support the building's long-term care.
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