History of the Dome

Temple Emanu-El is connected through strong roots to the modern Conservative movement, both spiritually and physically.

When you enter our main sanctuary, you may find yourself struck by the exquisite, sprawling stained-glass dome that sits atop our chapel, and how it transforms the light that shines on us as we worship. But the dome is more than that: It is a piece of Jewish history.

Constructed in 1920, the dome was built for the famed Brooklyn Jewish Center at 667 Eastern Parkway, a beacon of Jewish life as it prospered and flourished in Brooklyn in the mid-20th century. However, by 1982, Brooklyn Jewish Center experienced funding issues and was sold to Oholei Torah, who did their best to preserve the architectural integrity of these unique features so they could be enjoyed by other synagogues.

With thanks to stained glass craftsman Patrick Clark, the dome has been restored to its former glory, along with the Brooklyn Jewish Center’s curved wooden pews and Holy Ark.

When we worship beneath the dome, we feel connected not only to each other, but to the generations of Jews who did the very same.

"My family is not only connected spiritually to our Temple Emanu-El community generationally from the Tenafly Road days, we are also connected physically through this beautiful stained glass dome. My parents were married under this dome in 1955 when it sat atop the Brooklyn Jewish Center at 667 Eastern Parkway. And my son Harry and daughter Aline had their B’nai Mitzvahs under this same dome. This dome is a magnificent example of the ornamental elements found in Neo-Moorish design used by 19th and 20th century synagogue architects in Europe and the Americas."

- Neil Chalfin

The congregants and leadership of TE have been warm and welcoming, and although we have only been members for a short time, TE already feels like home.

- Brittnay Alter

Our family has found a second home at Temple Emanu-el. For us it is a place for meaningful worship; but also it's a vibrant community that caters to every member of our family. From enriching religious school programs and fun holiday celebrations for our kids, to engaging study sessions and social activities for my husband and me, there's always something happening at the Temple.

- Ruthie Nussbaum

My family is not only connected spiritually to our Temple Emanu-El community generationally from the Tenafly Road days, we are also connected physically through this beautiful stained glass dome. My parents were married under this dome in 1955 when it sat atop the Brooklyn Jewish Center at 667 Eastern Parkway. And my Son Harry and daughter Aline had their B’nai Mitzvahs under this same dome. This dome is a magnificent example of the ornamental elements found in Neo-Moorish design used by 19th and 20th century synagogue architects in Europe and the Americas.

- Neil Chalfin

I can’t believe our Hebrew school journey has come to end. Thank you to all of our Morahs, the Rabbis, Cantor Singer, and Adam who have all made an impact on my Jewish values. I always love learning about where I come from and the traditions we keep. Not to mention the ice cream truck we get rewarded with at the end of the year has made it all worth it. But seriously, learning the stories of our people and seeing how they connect to the traditions my family observes during the holidays has given more meaning to those stories.

- Maya Kent

I am blessed to have four generations active as members of Temple Emanu-El. Spending time here with my grandkids creating lifelong memories is a priceless gift.

- Robin Miller

The first time I arrived on the Temple Emanu-El campus I could feel the vibrant and warm energy. I knew immediately that this is where I wanted my children and family to engage in their Jewish life. Since then, we have been blessed to watch our children move through the Temple’s Hebrew school and become Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. Jillian and I have built deep and meaningful friendships with fellow members and the clergy. The energy we felt at the beginning has grown to become a vibrant Jewish light.

- Daniel Herz

History of the Dome

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