Exterior exposure of Temple Beth El's South Temple, formerly known as Talmud Torah Synagogue and Sinai Temple. Designed by architects Hill & Mock, and built by contractors Knoell & Westerfield in 1925, the Italian Renaissance Romanesque Talmud Torah Synagogue was located at So. 4th & I Sts. Its congregation was more traditionally minded than Temple Beth Israel's reformists, however in 1960 both congregations voted to merge. Rabbi Richard Rosenthal was elected to lead the combined congregations, now called Temple Beth El. Temple Beth Israel on No. 4th St. was sold in 1964 to the Apostolic Faith Church and Talmud Torah, the South Temple, was sold in 1968 to the Tacoma Blood Bank. The Talmud Torah was demolished and its site used as a parking lot for Tacoma General Hospital. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Realty. (History of Pierce County, Vol. 1, p. 15) TPL-8677
Interior view of the Temple Beth El's South Temple on May 28, 1964. The Star of David is carved onto the many pews in the sanctuary as well as on the large circular window behind the curtained Ark. Two menorahs flank the bimah. Temple Beth El's South Temple was known as the Talmud Torah Synagogue. It was built in 1925 in the classic Italian Renaissance style with arched ceilings and glass windows. Talmud Torah Synagogue, although more traditionally minded, had merged with Temple Beth Israel in 1960. Now called Temple Beth El, it would sell its North Temple on No. 4th & J in 1964 to the Apostolic Faith Church; four years later, the Tacoma Blood Bank would acquire the Talmud Torah property. It was demolished and a parking lot established in its place. A new synagogue for the combined congregations was dedicated in 1968 at So. 12th & Vassault. (History of Pierce County, Vol. 1, p. 15) Photograph ordered by Tacoma Realty.
ca. 1931. Talmud Torah Synagogue, 901 So. 4th, Tacoma. Architects Hill & Mock designed this "Romanesque Italian Renaissance" structure, which was constructed in 1925. It was renamed Sinai Temple in 1947. In 1960, Talmud Torah merged with the reformists at Temple Beth Israel. Rabbi Richard Rosenthal was elected to lead the combined congregations. They built a new synagogue, Temple Beth El, at 5975 So. 12th St. Talmud Torah was sold in 1968 to the Tacoma Blood Bank. It was later demolished and its site used as a parking lot for Tacoma General Hospital. Bowen # CHU-025
This group of children and young adults is probably celebrating Purim in March of 1928 at the Talmud Torah Synagogue, 901 South 4th St. The News Tribune noted that a play entitled "The Festival of the Feasts with the cast of 12 under the direction of Miss Lillian Friedman, will be presented. G20.1-022 (TNT 03/05/1928) The date in the photographer's daybook indicates the time of Passover, but that is likely in error.
