Rodef Shalom Congregation

Rodef Shalom Congregation
Hebrew: רודף שלום
Rodef Shalom's celebrated façade
Religion
AffiliationReform Judaism
Ecclesiastical or organizational statusSynagogue
Leadership
  • Rabbi Sharyn H. Henry
  • Dr. Rabbi Walter Jacob (Emeritus)
StatusActive
Location
Location4905 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
CountryUnited States
Rodef Shalom Congregation is located in Pittsburgh
Rodef Shalom Congregation
Location in Pittsburgh
Geographic coordinates40°26′53″N 79°56′37″W / 40.44806°N 79.94361°W / 40.44806; -79.94361
Architecture
Architect(s)
  • Henry Hornbostel (1907)
  • Ingham & Boyd (1938)
  • Alexander Sharove (1956)
  • Harry Lefkowitz (1956)
  • The Design Alliance (2000)
TypeSynagogue
StyleBeaux-Arts
Date established1856 (as a congregation)
Completed1906
Construction cost$250,000
Specifications
Capacity1,200 worshippers
Dome(s)One
Dome dia. (outer)90 feet (27 m)
Website
rodefshalom.org
Rodef Shalom Template
NRHP reference No.79002162
Significant dates
Added to NRHPNovember 5, 1979
Designated PHLF2022
[1][2]

Rodef Shalom Congregation (Hebrew: רודף שלום, lit.'Pursuer of Peace') is an historic Reform Jewish congregation and synagogue located at 4905 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in the United States. The landmark building was designed by architect Henry Hornbostel and completed in the Beaux-Arts style.[3]

Located on Fifth Avenue on the border of the Oakland and Shadyside neighborhoods, it houses Congregation Rodef Shalom, founded in 1856, the oldest Jewish congregation in Western Pennsylvania and the largest Reform congregation in the area. On the grounds of the building is the Rodef Shalom Biblical Botanical Garden.

The synagogue building was entered into the National Register of Historic Places on November 5, 1979[3] and was listed as a Pittsburgh Historic Landmark in 2022.[4]

  1. ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. April 15, 2008.
  2. ^ Historic Landmark Plaques 1968-2009 (PDF). Pittsburgh, PA: Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation. 2010. Retrieved July 28, 2011.
  3. ^ a b "Nomination Form: Rodef Shalom Temple" (PDF). National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. 1967. Retrieved December 24, 2023.
  4. ^ Vellucci, Justin (May 30, 2022). "Rodef Shalom headed toward historic landmark designation". Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved December 24, 2023.