Beth Sholom Synagogue

Beth Sholom Synagogue

Beth Sholom Synagogue
5
Architectural BuildingsReligious Sites
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Friday
Closed
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
About
Duration: 1-2 hours
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  • Karen J
    7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I'll go again.
    I've driven past the syngagogue for years. Each time, I thought I should see it. I finally made arrangements to go with 2 friends. The tour was informative and interesting. I appreciated hearing about the history of the synagogue as well as the relationship between Wright and Rabbi Cohen. The building and furnishings are magnificent and inspirational. I plan to go again.
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written May 13, 2024
  • GrandTour00959158881
    6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The only synagogue built by Frank Lloyd Wright
    The only synagogue built by Frank Lloyd Wright. The result was a beautiful architecturally truly American synagogue, consecrated in 1959. The exterior may not be appreciated by everyone, but the interior is downright beautiful and impressive. The good relationship between builder and client Rabbi Cohen is evident in the details. A must see for architecture lovers.
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 3, 2024
  • sovta
    Wynnewood, Pennsylvania336 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    An American Synagogue
    Seeing another Frank Lloyd Wright building has been on my bucket list for many years. I was not disappointed. The knowledgeable docent led us through the building mentioning relevant history, pointing out important details and answering all of our questions. I was particularly impressed by the collaboration between the architect and his client. I urge all Frank Lloyd Wright fans to tour this site.
    Visited July 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written July 29, 2024
  • Leslie O
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wonderful Tour!
    We all enjoyed our tour very much; time well spent. Our docent was so generous sharing his knowledge of Frank Lloyd Wright and the special relationship he had with Rabbi Cohen as they worked together to create the American Synagogue - Beth Sholom. We had ample time to explore the building, ask questions and take photos. Susan was a delight as she helped us with our purchases in the pleasant gift shop. This is truly a special place for anyone looking for great outing in the Philadelphia area.
    Visited October 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written October 16, 2024
  • Kristen P
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great Experience
    Robin was a great tour guide. She really care about the overall history and it showed in how she interacted with the tour group. I have been to several Frank Lloyd Wright sites and this was by far the best group.
    Visited November 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written November 13, 2024
  • Michael Y
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent tour and superb docent
    Our tour with Sean Wiley was perhaps the best of any building/architectural tour we have experienced. Sean's level of information was extremely well researched and very clear. Sean provided a good deal of information, without overwhelming. Best of all, he is extremely passionate about Frank Lloyd Wright's architecture, which made the tour all the more fun and engaging. The Synagogue is extremely impressive and the tour is well worth the time!
    Visited January 2025
    Traveled as a couple
    Written January 13, 2025
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles114 reviews
Excellent
98
Very good
13
Average
0
Poor
3
Terrible
0

Al is Traveling
Kansas City, MO126 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Peg B
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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.
Written December 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

OneHappyFamily1
Sandy Springs, GA106 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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.
Written October 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

nina s
Fairfax, VA9 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

UncleJava F
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Richard D
29 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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.
Written June 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

PJS17557
Goodville, PA10 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

AmandaB
11 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Couples
We had a lovely visit/tour at the Beth Sholom Synagogue. The architecture was amazing and it's hard to believe that it is not more well known and swamped with Frank Lloyd Wright fans and visitors. The history & the structure are amazing and the staff are friendly, welcoming, and informative. Highly recommend!
Written December 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

leolion5
Quebec City, Canada32 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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.
Written June 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Bill D
4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Couples
Excellent presentation by a local resident member of Beth Shalom. She gave us the history of the build after a 20 minute video. We learned quite a bit of the history and details of the construction. A marvelous tour highlighted by a walk through the main temple.
Written November 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Beth Sholom Synagogue, Elkins Park

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