Sixty Orthodox Jewish families arrived in southern Brooklyn in 1896. They sought community. They founded Congregation Sons of Israel. First services were held in rented spaces or members’ homes. Soon funds were raised. A new synagogue was built on Bay 22nd Street. It wasn’t finished yet but they celebrated Rosh Hashanah there in 1898. A roof was better than nothing.
By 1918 more space was desperately needed. A larger plot was purchased on 21st and Benson avenues. Emery Roth was chosen as the architect. He’d already designed the Adath Jeshurun of Jassy Synagogue. His original design for Congregation Sons of Israel was neo-Classical. It was an octagonal temple with a red Spanish tile dome. Limestone was to be used. The entrance would be rectangular. The sanctuary would be open under the dome. Leaded glass windows would light the interior. The basement would have large windows. It would house a gathering space offices and classrooms. The building would be 100 by 100 feet. The lot would be 194 by 100 feet.
The cornerstone was laid on June 22 1919. Governor Alfred E Smith attended. Many civic and political officials were present. Jewish judges including State Supreme Court Judge Edward Lazansky attended. Cantor Joseph Rosenblatt sang. The cornerstone was laid with great pomp.
The finished building differs from the original design. The entrance is larger. The octagon was squared off. Most significantly Roth’s domed sanctuary was removed. A smaller dome sits behind the entryway. The roof appears mostly flat. In 1927 a Talmud Torah was added along Benson Avenue. It now houses the Elite Academy of Science and Technology. This co-ed Jewish high school thrives on the legacy of Congregation Sons of Israel. The congregation’s story is one of perseverance growth and community. It continues to serve the people of Bath Beach. This synagogue is more than a building. It is a testament to faith and community spirit.