Historic Synagogues

Stories
built in
stone

The historic synagogues on our campus—Lloyd Street Synagogue and B’nai Israel Synagogue—are central to the story of Maryland’s Jewish community. These spaces have always been more than places of worship—they foster the learning and connection that builds vibrant communal life.

Step inside to explore the architecture, discover the congregations that shaped their history, and uncover the legacy of these synagogues and their role in shaping Jewish communities throughout Baltimore.

Lloyd Street Synagogue

Built in 1845, the Lloyd Street Synagogue is Maryland’s oldest synagogue building and one of the oldest still standing in the United States. Designed in the Greek Revival style, the synagogue has been home to three distinct congregations over its long history: Baltimore Hebrew Congregation (1845–1889), St. John the Baptist Lithuanian Catholic Church (1889–1905), and Shomrei Mishmeres Ha-Kodesh (1905–1960).

Each of these congregations, formed by European immigrants, faced the challenge of adapting to American life while preserving their religious traditions. Over the years, all three congregations left their mark on the building, shaping its history and identity in unique ways.

Today, the Lloyd Street Synagogue stands as a testament to the resilience of those who worshipped within its walls. It is an integral part of the Jewish Museum of Maryland, serving as both a historic landmark and a space for education and exploration.

B'nai Israel Synagogue

Built in 1876, B’nai Israel Synagogue is a stunning example of Moorish Revival architecture, with its graceful arches and intricate brickwork. Originally home to the Chizuk Amuno Congregation, the building became the spiritual center for B’nai Israel, a congregation of Russian Jewish immigrants, in 1895. Known as the “Russische Shul,” it thrived as a vibrant hub of Jewish life in East Baltimore. As the neighborhood changed over time, the congregation remained a steadfast presence, continuing to serve its community.

In the 1980s, the Jewish Historical Society of Maryland (now the Jewish Museum of Maryland), partnered with congregants and community members to restore the synagogue and ensure its preservation as part of the Museum’s campus. Rededicated in 1987, B’nai Israel remains the last active synagogue in East Baltimore and a powerful symbol of faith, resilience, and community. You can visit the Congregation’s website here.

Watch the documentary

In 2022, we released Synagogue Stories: A Tradition of Change on Lloyd Street. This 36-minute documentary shares the voices of Jewish Museum of Maryland professionals, docents, and community leaders who tell the stories of the many congregations that have called the Lloyd Street Synagogue and B’nai Israel Synagogue home.

Explore the Synagogues

The Jewish Museum of Maryland’s campus is currently closed to the public for renovations. We look forward to showing you the synagogues after we reopen in February 2025.

Would you like to learn about the rich history of Jewish Baltimore and its historic synagogues? Our docent-led tours take you inside the Lloyd Street and B’nai Israel Synagogues for an up-close look at their architecture, stories, and the communities they have served. These unique buildings require walking up and down stairs, and while accessible entryways are not yet available, we are actively working to improve access to these spaces. Join us to explore these landmarks and uncover their vital role in Maryland’s Jewish history.

When open to the public, we offer docent-led tours of our historic synagogues Sunday through Thursday at 1:00 and 2:30 PM and an additional 11:00 AM tour on Sunday. Tours start in the Museum lobby. Our synagogues are not open to the public during normal hours.

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