Editing Philadelphia Museum of Jewish Art

{{Infobox Museum
| name = Congregation Rodeph Shalom Museum
| image =
| image_caption = Congregation Rodeph Shalom
| type = Jewish art and history museum
| address = 615 North Broad Street
| neighborhood = North Broad Street
| coordinates = 39.9625,-75.1609
| phone = (215) 627-6747
| website = https://www.rodephshalom.org
| established = 1795 (congregation); museum later
| founder = Congregation Rodeph Shalom
| director =
| collections = Jewish art and ritual objects
| visitors = By appointment
| hours = By appointment
}}

'''Congregation Rodeph Shalom''' is Philadelphia's oldest Ashkenazi synagogue, founded in '''1795''', and houses a small museum of '''Jewish art and ritual objects'''. The congregation's magnificent '''Moorish Revival synagogue''' on North Broad Street, built in 1928, is itself a significant work of architecture featuring elaborate Byzantine-Moorish design inspired by the great synagogues of medieval Spain.<ref name="rodeph">{{cite web |url=https://www.rodephshalom.org |title=Congregation Rodeph Shalom |publisher=Congregation Rodeph Shalom |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

The museum within the synagogue displays Judaica, including ceremonial objects, textiles, and artwork spanning centuries of Jewish tradition. The synagogue building, designed by Simon & Simon architects, features stunning stained glass, intricate tilework, and an impressive sanctuary that draws visitors interested in architecture and Jewish heritage.

== History ==

=== The Congregation ===

'''Congregation Rodeph Shalom''' ("Pursuers of Peace") was founded in '''1795''':
* One of the oldest congregations in America
* First Ashkenazi (German/Eastern European) congregation in the Western Hemisphere
* Served Philadelphia's growing Jewish community
* Moved through several locations before building the current synagogue

=== The Building ===

The current synagogue was built in '''1928''' during the congregation's most prosperous era:
* '''Architects:''' Simon & Simon
* '''Style:''' Moorish Revival/Byzantine
* '''Inspiration:''' Medieval Spanish synagogues
* '''Features:''' Elaborate decorative program

The building is one of the finest examples of Moorish Revival synagogue architecture in America.

== The Museum ==

=== Collections ===

The museum displays:
* '''Ritual objects:''' Torah crowns, breastplates, pointers
* '''Textiles:''' Torah mantles, ark curtains
* '''Ceremonial items:''' Menorahs, kiddush cups, spice boxes
* '''Artwork:''' Jewish-themed paintings and sculptures

=== The Sanctuary ===

The synagogue sanctuary itself is the primary attraction:
* Stunning stained glass windows
* Ornate tilework and decorative painting
* Impressive bimah (reading platform)
* Ark with elaborate surround

== Visiting ==

=== Access ===

The museum and synagogue are accessible:
* By appointment for tours
* During services (Friday evening, Saturday morning)
* Check with congregation for tour availability

=== Tours ===

Tours explore:
* The architecture and decorative program
* The museum collection
* The history of Philadelphia's Jewish community
* Congregation Rodeph Shalom's 200+ year history

=== Location ===

615 North Broad Street, near Spring Garden Street

=== Getting There ===

* '''SEPTA Broad Street Line:''' Spring Garden Station
* '''SEPTA Bus:''' Routes on Broad Street
* '''Parking:''' Street parking; nearby lots

== See Also ==

* [[Jewish History in Philadelphia]]
* [[Congregation Mikveh Israel]]
* [[Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History]]
* [[North Broad Street]]
* [[Religious Architecture in Philadelphia]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://www.rodephshalom.org Congregation Rodeph Shalom Official Website]

{{#seo:
|title=Congregation Rodeph Shalom Museum - Philadelphia Jewish Heritage
|description=Visit Congregation Rodeph Shalom, Philadelphia's oldest Ashkenazi synagogue, and its museum of Jewish art and ritual objects. Stunning Moorish Revival architecture on North Broad Street.
|keywords=Rodeph Shalom, Jewish museum Philadelphia, synagogue architecture, Moorish Revival, Jewish art, Judaica, North Broad Street
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Museums]]
[[Category:Religious Sites]]
[[Category:North Philadelphia]]
[[Category:Jewish History]]
[[Category:Architecture]]