Jewish Center of Kings Highway
historic place
The Jewish Center of Kings Highway, in Brooklyn's Midwood neighborhood, is a historic site. It started as Beth HaKnesseth Talmud Torah of Kings Highway, and by 1924, it was renamed the Jewish Center of Kings Highway. The main synagogue building was constructed between 1928 and 1930, designed by architect Maurice Courland. This Neo-Classical structure features a cast stone temple front with Corinthian order piers. Its facade blends classical forms with Judaic motifs and includes stained-glass windows. The center combined synagogue functions with community needs, offering classrooms, a social hall, and a gymnasium. This reflected the "Jewish Center" movement of the time. An adjoining school building was rebuilt in 1949. The Jewish Center of Kings Highway was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2010. The Conservative congregation was expelled in 1963 by the United Synagogue of America for using bingo for fundraising. Today, the premises operates as a Jewish boys high school. This location illustrates the evolution of Jewish community life in 20th-century Brooklyn.