Beth Sholom Synagogue
Beth Sholom Synagogue
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
100 reviews
Excellent
84
Very good
13
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3
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Al is Traveling
Kansas City, MO99 contributions
Mar 2022
I am a huge Frank Lloyd Wright fan. At the end of my last trip, I have been to 15 of his properties, and when I had a chance to come to the Beth Shalom Synagogue, I booked a full tour. I was not disappointed. Walking up to the building you don’t get a sense for how large it really is. Inside is just amazing, the height of the structure, the grandeur, the sense of awe that you feel when you walk in. It just impresses you completely. Our tour guide was absolutely phenomenal, very well-versed on the history of the structure, very well-versed on the history of Frank Lloyd Wright himself and above all very enthusiastic about telling the story of the synagogue its construction and its history. She made the tour just that much better. If I am ever back on the East Coast I intend to come visit again. I have recommended to several people who are going to Washington DC this summer to take some time and go visit. It is well worth the time. Highly highly recommend visiting and going on the tour you will not regret it!
Written March 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Peg B
2 contributions
Dec 2022
The design of Beth Shalom Synagogue reflects Frank Lloyd Wright's legacy of making every building he designed "one of a kind" with surprising, and at times, startling, features. Our experience there was enhanced by the skilled tour guide who could point out details of Wright's and Rabbi Cohen's vision that we otherwise would have missed. One could almost sense the presence of the architect and the rabbi in the sanctuary because evidence of their love for God and beauty was so tangible.
There were 4 of us on the tour- two Jews and two Christians. All of us enjoyed the experience equally. The film that was shown before our tour gave us insight into the brilliance of the Rabbi (Mortimer Cohen) who was tenacious in recruiting Wright for the project. The film's narrator read letters the two men exchanged over the years of planning, drawing ever more closely into a relationship of mutual affection, respect, and creativity.
There were 4 of us on the tour- two Jews and two Christians. All of us enjoyed the experience equally. The film that was shown before our tour gave us insight into the brilliance of the Rabbi (Mortimer Cohen) who was tenacious in recruiting Wright for the project. The film's narrator read letters the two men exchanged over the years of planning, drawing ever more closely into a relationship of mutual affection, respect, and creativity.
Written December 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
OneHappyFamily1
Sandy Springs, GA113 contributions
Nov 2022 • Solo
Traveled to Elkins Park just to tour Beth Sholom. Frank Lloyd Wright’s only synagogue is a towering architectural gem. Wright collaborated with Rabbi Cohen to create a new type of synagogue- an American Synagogue. The sanctuary was inspired by Mt Sinai. It rises 110 feet surrounded by translucent panels that allow in light and draws the eye towards heaven.
My docent, Donna, was knowledgeable, enthusiastic and even offered to take photos of me touring to create a more person experience. She clearly knew the history and the special relationship of Wright and Rabbi Cohen as they collaborated on Beth Sholom.
My docent, Donna, was knowledgeable, enthusiastic and even offered to take photos of me touring to create a more person experience. She clearly knew the history and the special relationship of Wright and Rabbi Cohen as they collaborated on Beth Sholom.
Written October 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
nina s
Fairfax, VA4 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
Thoroughly enjoyed our guided tour of Beth Sholom Synagogue. This is an under the radar Frank Lloyd Wright destination. What makes this unique, is that it is a house of worship, not just a house. There is an interesting video detailing the backstory of its construction at the beginning of the tour. Our tour guide was very informative and passionate about the building’s provenance.
Written November 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
UncleJava F
1 contribution
Feb 2023 • Friends
Wonderful tour! Our guide was informative and entertaining! She was very knowledgeable about the building, Frank Lloyd Wright, and his association with Rabbi Mortimer Cohen, and how all the details in and outside the building reflected the collaboration between the two. It is an amazing building and has a unique place in Jewish history. This tour is for everyone - you don’t need to be Jewish to be enthralled!
Written February 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Richard D
29 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
The Beth Sholom Synagogue is an architectural and spiritual wonder. For anyone with an interest in architecture and Frank Lloyd Wright, this synagogue should not be missed.
Our guide was superb, providing us with great details about the history of the synagogue. Especially wonderful to learn about was the growing and profound friendship between Wright and Rabbi Mortimer Cohen, who conceived of the project. It’s a beautiful story.
Our guide was superb, providing us with great details about the history of the synagogue. Especially wonderful to learn about was the growing and profound friendship between Wright and Rabbi Mortimer Cohen, who conceived of the project. It’s a beautiful story.
Written June 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
PJS17557
Goodville, PA10 contributions
Oct 2022
What an amazing work of art!! If you love architecture, and especially Frank Lloyd WrIght's work, you need to see this. It is a beacon of light and faith. You know its' a national treasure because It is 1 of 17 FLW buildings honored by the American Institute of Architects. The history of it and story of the partnership between FLW and Rabbi Cohen is amazing too. This landmark must be preserved!!
Written October 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
leolion5
Quebec City, Canada33 contributions
May 2022
Visiting Beth Sholom has been on our bucket list for quite some time now and it was worth the wait (and the drive from Ottawa!).
Our tour guide Robin was amazing. She was very personable and enthusiastic about sharing her knowledge and the stories about the synagogue with us.
This is a must-do experience when you are in the Philly area and Beth Sholom is an architectural gem.
Our tour guide Robin was amazing. She was very personable and enthusiastic about sharing her knowledge and the stories about the synagogue with us.
This is a must-do experience when you are in the Philly area and Beth Sholom is an architectural gem.
Written June 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
podrozniczka60
New Jersey14,699 contributions
Aug 2020
I have been dreaming to visit this famous synagogue and glorious work by Frank Lloyd Wright for a long while. The timing of my visit was imperfect because there was no Sunday tour in these "coronatimes". The staff/guardians was very pleasant and in a friendly manner thanked us for coming. We were able to inspect the building from the outside.
Written August 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
gerryway
Philadelphia, PA22 contributions
May 2022
A wonderful, wonderful tour, and an absolutely beautiful and amazing structure. A definite testimony to both FLW and the Beth Sholom Congregation. Sadly, I think the needs for repairs and upkeep could be in the many millions... definitely worthy of a donation if you are a FLW afficionado. This is a must do if you are visiting the Philadelphia area. The effect of the natural lighting in incredible. Wear sunscreen... as there is much natural light and the frosted glass dome panels are not UV protective. Enjoy
Written May 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Beth Sholom Synagogue, Elkins Park
Frequently Asked Questions about Beth Sholom Synagogue
- Beth Sholom Synagogue is open:
- Sun - Sun 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Wed - Thu 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
- We recommend booking Beth Sholom Synagogue tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Beth Sholom Synagogue tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Beth Sholom Synagogue:
- (6.34 mi) Manayunk Chambers Guest House
- (4.11 mi) Chestnut Hill Hotel
- (9.52 mi) The Dwight D Hotel
- (8.98 mi) Cornerstone Bed & Breakfast
- (9.39 mi) AKA Rittenhouse Square
- Restaurants near Beth Sholom Synagogue:
- (0.21 mi) Jj's Hot Chicken
- (0.26 mi) Rita's of Elkins Park
- (0.38 mi) Marco Polo Ristorante & Bar
- (0.37 mi) Szechuan Mandarin Inn
- (0.38 mi) Tiffin