Temple Sherith Israel
historic place
Temple Sherith Israel in San Francisco, California, traces its origins to the Gold Rush era. The congregation was founded in 1851, making it one of the oldest synagogues in the United States. Architect Albert Pissis designed the current sanctuary building, constructed from 1904 to 1905. The building was consecrated on September 24, 1905. It stands 140 feet tall and features a 60-foot diameter dome, showcasing Byzantine and Romanesque architectural styles. Notably, the temple sustained little damage during the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire. Following the disaster, it served as a city courthouse for 18 months. Temple Sherith Israel was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2012. This site stands as a significant landmark in San Francisco's enduring architectural and civic history.