The Historic Beth Sholom Synagogue In Cheltenham Receives $2 Million To Repair Dome

CHELTENHAM, PA — The historic Beth Sholom Synagogue in this eastern Montgomery County community will soon see some major repairs after it was approved for $2 million in grant funding.

The office of State Rep. Napolean Nelson, a Montgomery County Democrat, announced late last week that the grant funding through the Pennsylvania Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program will aid the historic synagogue in repairing and restoring its dome.

The synagogue, which is located in Elkins Park, was designed by famous American architect Frank Lloyd Wright and is a National Historic Landmark. Its iconic dome is a recognized symbol throughout the Greater Philadelphia region.

"I am pleased to see this RACP funding invested into our community," stated Nelson, whose district includes Cheltenham and Springfield Townships as well as Jenkintown Borough. "The money will be used to help preserve an iconic landmark, the Beth Sholom Synagogue."

Herb Sachs, immediate past president of the Beth Sholom Synagogue Preservation Foundation, said that he was pleased to see the commonwealth invest in the historic landmark.

"Our goal is to ensure the synagogue can still be used as a place of worship and future generations can continue to appreciate the architectural designs of Frank Lloyd Wright," Sachs said in a statement. "We are grateful to Representative Nelson and all who helped secure these funds."

In addition to the funding for Beth Sholom, an additional $500,000 in state grant dollars were awarded to Salus University in Elkins Park, which will use the money to update areas of the school such as the dining areas, student lounges, student affairs offices and bookstore.

The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, which is administered through Pennsylvania's Office of the Budge, helps with the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects.