beth sholom synagogue

Beth Shalom was in its day a very unusual architectural design by Frank L. Wright and still is to a point.. Mr Wright had a good relationship with Rabbi Mortimer Cohen & together with alot of financial support from the congregation ,the synagogue moved from Broad & Courtland Streets in Philadelphia to Elkins Park,Pa. where the majority of young married couple had moved. Within a 4 miles area there are 5 synagogues. Each with a different interpretation...It pay to take the time to see each one and enjoy the moment.

Thank you so much for visiting our building and for the wonderful commentary.Please come back to visit us again soon.

FLLW fans - plan your Philadelphia area trip around the days the synagogue is open to tours, keeping Jewish High Holidays in mind. No spoilers here - it's an unusual FLLW structure, with stunning engineering, and you just have to BE in the space to understand it. The exterior (to me) looks Asian-Pagoda appreciation, but inside it's all a study of light, triangles, warmth, and inclusion. Park in the lot tucked behind the building. There is adequate handicapped parking, and plenty of opportunities for those that can't walk much to sit down during the tour. The tour starts with an excellent film and visitor's center; the film lets you know that FLLW could actually be an agreeable human being, and not his usual genius-tyrant "we're only doing it my way" self, by discussing the wonderful friendship that formed between Rabbi Mortimer Cohen and FLLW. Toni was an excellent docent; knowledgeable about the building, the congregation, and how FLLW respected Judaism and worked Rabbi Cohen's vision. I enjoyed her earnest appreciation, even for my weird construction-related, and "future maintenance of a historical site" questions!As for local eating or lodging venues - I didn't see anything much. There is a Cosi down Old York Road, but I packed a picnic to eat before my tour. I stayed at the West Chester PA Holiday Inn Express, although there were closer hotels (King of Prussia area) I wanted to be close to my next day's tours of the Brandywine Valley - Longwood Gardens, Brandywine River Museum, Winterthur, Winlmington DE.

Great tour of the only synagogue designed by Wright. A must see for those looking to see something different by this architect. The guides are very knowledgeable and share their love of the building and what is designed into it with you.

Great tour of the a Frank Lloyd Wright designed synagogue. A must see stop when visiting Philadelphia. Great photo opt

Sorry, but I felt that this synagogue was poorly designed. I do not understand how either Wright could have designed this or how it could have been accepted by the congregation. I have been there on several occassions. The main problem is that the floor slopes down slightly to the center, making the benches tilted, so that when you sit or stand up, you can't sit or stand straight. And of course, the congregation has to stand many times during the service. In addition, my wife and I thought that the roof design was unattractive, to be charitable.We cannot attest to the other functions of the synagogue.

Beth Sholom is the place to be in Elkins Park, PA. Friendly congregation. Great Kiddush luncheons. Visit Beth Sholom for tours of the Frank Lloyd Wright designed sanctuary.

Photos do no justice to this magnificent building. A very unusual design of the Mount Sinai vision of the Rabbi and the eclectic remake of a shelved FLWright unused commercial design come together for this American Synagogue. As in many of his designs one experiences the building- as the floor plan for the worship space mimics the hands of God holding the congregation in the palms of His hands. Thanks to the generosity of the congregation, guided public tours beginning with an informative film are available (by reservation) for a nominal fee. Check their website for further information. FLW enthusiast, or not, this is a wonderful experience. Imagine a holy man of God dealing with an arrogant Wright at the end of his life on a project that dragged out for years and faced many obstacles. Wright died three months before it was completed.

We enjoyed our informative and knowledgeable guided tour of this unique "American synagogue." I did not find the glass roof especially attractive, but Wright's creativity and attention to detail was evident throughout. The story of collaboration and overcoming of obstacles was inspiring. My 4 star rating is due to the lack of A/C on a very hot day because they were installing a new elevator.

Beth Sholom Synagogue is one of Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpieces and one of the few houses of worship he designed and had built. It bears more than a passing resemblance to two unbuilt projects, Pinterest and an untitled church. There was a First Christian Church built in 1950 that has some similar features to Beth Sholom. Still, it is a landmark and considered to be one of is most important works, perhaps up there with Falling Water. The Sanctuary is an extraordinary space, since the roof is made of translucent panels that change the light according to the time of day and weather. The room seems to float, as the floor slopes down toward the bimah, where the ark is located. There are borrowed architectural elemants, from the mayan temple to the medieval fortress parapet to a chandelier that resembles a triangular spaceship. Attending services there, as our family did for many years during our membership, is an ethereal experience. The Sisterhood Chapel is also unique, as are the lounge and front entrance, along with the entire exterior. At night, the temple is lit by floodlights and is a landmark in the area. Tours are given weekly. Beth Sholom is important to include in any visit to the Philadelphia area.

I love everything about Frank Lloyd Wright and I have to say that this Synagogue (the only one he ever did) is one of his crowning glories. The history of this beautiful place and the architecture was awe inspiring. I lucked out and got a tour all to myself by a volunteer from the congregation. It was a great time and because it was just me, I had all my questions answered and the tour itself was conformed to me. I highly recommend this

Great for Frank Lloyd aficionados. It is located in a suburb of Philly, about 20-30 minutes drive. Very accommodating staff. We were able to arrange a tour even though there were no officially scheduled tours during our time in Philly. Recommend driving past at night when the building is lit up. The roof is designed to look like Mt. Sinai and is stunning at night.

The building is unique because its a Frank Lloyd Wright creation. Nicely decorated. Th staff is very personable andthe history is very interesting.

There are two buildings on the Beth Sholom property. One building is the Frank Lloyd Wright designed Synagogue which includes our Main Sanctuary and a smaller chapel. The other is our school and administration building. Please visit us again to see the interior of the Frank Lloyd Wright designed building.Thank you.

Frank Lloyd Wright did an amazing job on this local gem. I have taken out-of-towners there a few times and always enjoy. The main sanctuary is my favorite. Everything there means something. As an example the tan carpet represents sand. This synagogue is a must see at least once.