The oldest continuously used synagogue on Staten Island.

Temple Emanu-El was established in 1907 only a block off Port Richmond Avenue which was the main street of Staten Island at that time. Like many other synagogues of that era, it was founded by Jewish “Main Street” merchants. It was the grand synagogue of Staten Island, much larger and more elaborate than any of the others.

Designed by architects Pelcher and Zobel, the neo-classic building has a pedimented entry flanked by two large Doric columns. The columnar theme is repeated indoors with columns flanking the Torah ark. Constructed of wood with clapboard siding the building is capped with a prominent gold colored dome and a Star of David. The brick educational building built alongside the original synagogue in 1928 once included a basketball court and a projection room for movies.

Temple Emanu-El, which is the oldest continuously used synagogue on Staten Island, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2007.