Area less than one acre NRHP Reference # 96001085 Opened 1921 Added to NRHP 10 October 1996 | Built 1921 (1921) Address Balti, MD 21217, USA Architectural style Neoclassical architecture | |
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Location 2001 Liberty Heights Ave., Baltimore, Maryland Similar Lloyd Street Synagogue, B'nai Israel Synagogue, Congregation Tiferes Yisroel, Beth Am, Beth Tfiloh Congregation | ||
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.
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History
The synagogue was designed by architect Stanislaus Russell and built on a budget on $250,000. The cornerstone of the Shaarei Tfiloh Synagogue was laid on July 10, 1921. Constructed from 1921 and 1927 for $285,000, it is one of the oldest functioning synagogue buildings in Maryland. It holds 700 men and 300 women. The synagogue has a turquoise dome, stained glass windows, and a sanctuary with a balcony for women's seating.
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.
Religious services
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.
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.
Cemetery
The Shaarei Tfiloh Congregation Cemetery is located on 5800 Windsor Mill Road.
Historic designation
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.