The oldest continuously functioning Jewish congregation and synagogue in Brooklyn.

Jews of German descent founded Congregation Beth Elohim on September 29, 1861 at Granada Hall in Brooklyn. Within less than a year they purchased the former Calvary Protestant Episcopal church. That building, the congregation’s first permanent home and known as the Pearl Street Synagogue, was dedicated in 1862. They began Reform services in 1870.

After continued growth of the congregation a larger building, the former Congregational Church on State Street was purchased. In 1908 the congregation purchased a lot, its current home, on the northeast corner of Garfield Place and Eighth Avenue. The architectural firm of Eisendrath and Horowitz was engaged to design a synagogue with sanctuary seating for 1,500 people. Construction of the Classical Revival style building began in 1909 and was completed in 1910.

The grand, monumental domed building was designed with five exterior sides representing the five books of Moses. Ultimately seating 1,200, the synagogue’s entrance faced the intersection of Garfield and Eighth. The basement held classrooms, an auditorium and administrative offices.

By 2006, Beth Elohim had over 1,000 members and in 2009 was said to be the largest and most active Reform congregation in Brooklyn. It is the oldest Brooklyn congregation continuing to function under its original corporate name and oldest continuously functioning synagogue building in Brooklyn. In 2009 Newsweek listed it as one of America’s 25 “Most Vibrant” Jewish congregations.