A grand historic synagogue building overlooking the Hudson River.

Beth Tephilah, translated to English means House of Prayer. There is not a great deal known about Troy’s Beth Tephilah Synagogue building. We do know that its original congregation was established in 1850 and that this building was constructed in 1909. Back then Troy’s Jewish community was much larger so the building was planned on a grand scale overlooking the nearby Hudson River.

From the exterior the synagogue appears to have two major elements: a towering entry section topped by a fine copper dome and the horizontal sanctuary section. The exterior facade of the entry section has a neo-Classic design with Doric columns and the previously mentioned dome. The dome is not a major architectural feature in the interior, instead there is a huge longitudinal barrel vaulted ceiling that runs the length of the sanctuary. The neo-Classical design theme is carried out in the sanctuary with Doric columns supporting the women’s balcony.

The synagogue is located in Troy’s Central Historic District. In May of 2016 the synagogue was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.