Philadelphia Museum of Jewish Art
| Type | Jewish art and history museum |
|---|---|
| Address | 615 North Broad Street |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
| Neighborhood | North Broad Street |
| Phone | (215) 627-6747 |
| Website | Official site |
| Established | 1795 (congregation); museum later |
| Founder | Congregation Rodeph Shalom |
| 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.[1]
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
[edit | edit source]The Congregation
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]Collections
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]Access
[edit | edit source]The museum and synagogue are accessible:
- By appointment for tours
- During services (Friday evening, Saturday morning)
- Check with congregation for tour availability
Tours
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]615 North Broad Street, near Spring Garden Street
Getting There
[edit | edit source]- SEPTA Broad Street Line: Spring Garden Station
- SEPTA Bus: Routes on Broad Street
- Parking: Street parking; nearby lots
See Also
[edit | edit source]- Jewish History in Philadelphia
- Congregation Mikveh Israel
- Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History
- North Broad Street
- Religious Architecture in Philadelphia
References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ "Congregation Rodeph Shalom". Congregation Rodeph Shalom. Retrieved December 30, 2025