Random Shot –Temple B’nai B’rith, 1896

Posted on March 4, 2009 by lmharnisch

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Los Angeles Times file photo

I can’t even explain it, but I adore this building, Temple B’nai B’rith at Hope and 9th streets, which was built in 1896. The congregation sold the building in February 1927 and moved to Wilshire Boulevard Temple. Some people wonder why I publish black and white photos in color. This is why.

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The Times says that everything for the temple was made in Los Angeles, even the pipe organ. Notice that the chorus sang the "Hallelujah!" chorus from "Messiah."
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Notice the timbers in front of the temple. They look like railroad ties.
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And the streets aren’t paved.
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I wonder if that’s the switch. 		Synagogue_bnai_brith_broadway

The temple at Hope and 9th was built to replace the one on Broadway between 2nd and 3rd streets, which is now marked by a plaque.

What’s especially great about this photo of the 1896 temple is that it’s the best picture I’ve found so far of the early attempt at street lighting.
Notice that this is only the bottom of a very high pole that was topped by a carbon arc lamp–kind of like a flying saucer on a stick.

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And I think the windows are great.

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About lmharnisch

I am retired from the Los Angeles Times
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4 Responses to Random Shot –Temple B’nai B’rith, 1896

  1. RobG's avatar RobG says:
    March 4, 2009 at 8:38 am

    Cool photos! My grandfather, George Epstein, was a member of Temple B’nai B’rith back in 1907!

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  2. Keren's avatar Keren says:
    March 4, 2009 at 12:14 pm

    Absolutely beautiful pictures and story. Thanks for posting! If only that shul existed today, it would be a hop and skip away from the office!

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  3. Richard H's avatar Richard H says:
    March 4, 2009 at 3:05 pm

    Beautiful building.
    Too bad Southern California is earthquake country.

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  4. Nathan's avatar Nathan says:
    March 4, 2009 at 6:27 pm

    Yeah, I’d be a better Hebrew if I had this to go to. Then again, the Los Angeles Athletic Club is downtown and gorgeous, and I don’t go to the gym either.
    I’m always amazed at how much this temple looks like the Beth Israel at Temple and Olive. Looked like.

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