Shaarei Tfiloh Synagogue
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Shaarei Tfiloh Synagogue | |
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Shaarei Tfiloh Synagogue, March 2012 | |
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| Location | 2001 Liberty Heights Ave., Baltimore, Maryland |
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| Coordinates | 39°19′11″N 76°39′4″W / 39.31972°N 76.65111°WCoordinates: 39°19′11″N 76°39′4″W / 39.31972°N 76.65111°W |
| Built | 1921 |
| Architect | Russell, Stanislaus |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| Governing body | Private |
| NRHP Reference # | 96001085 |
| Added to NRHP | October 10, 1996 |
Shaarei Tfiloh Synagogue is a historic synagogue located on Druid Hill Park at Baltimore, Maryland, United States. The synagogue is significant due to its association with the immigration of Russian and Eastern European Jews to Baltimore. It is a rock-faced stone structure with large arched stained glass windows and a pedimented roofline surmounted by a central copper-clad dome. Its name means Gates of Prayer in Hebrew. Constructed from 1921 and 1927, it cost $285,000, and is one of the oldest functioning synagogue buildings in Maryland. It holds 700 men and 300 women.[1]
At the time the synagogue was built, the surrounding "Park Circle" area was a thriving Jewish community. However, the Jewish community moved away from the neighborhood during the 1960s, primarily to Upper Park Heights, Randallstown, Pikesville, and Owings Mills. Eventually the synagogue ceased regular Sabbath (Saturday) services and only conducted services on the Jewish High Holy Days.
Beginning in the mid-2000s, the synagogue started conducting one "weekday" service a week, on Sunday mornings, in an effort to re-invigorate it, although Sabbath services are still not conducted. The synagogue is also occasionally used for special events (such as weddings) and as a location for "period" photography.
The Shaarei Tfiloh Congregation Cemetery is located on 5800 Windsor Mill Road.[2]
Shaarei Tfiloh Synagogue was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1996. It appeared in the 1999 movie Liberty Heights. As of 2011 Howard Perlow and David Cordish are co-presidents and David E. Herman is the rabbi. As has been the case since its founding, the synagogue conforms to Orthodox teachings and practices, but welcomes all as worshipers and members, regardless of personal affiliation.
References
- ↑ "Maryland Historical Trust". Shaarei Tfiloh Synagogue, Baltimore City. Maryland Historical Trust. 2010-12-09.
- ↑ Shaarei Tfiloh Congregation Cemetery
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