Rego Park Jewish Center facts for kids

Main building from Queens Blvd
Quick facts for kids Religion
Affiliation	Conservative Judaism
Ecclesiastical or organizational status	Synagogue
Leadership	Rabbi Romiel Daniel
Status	Active
Location
Location	97-30 Queens Blvd., Rego Park,Queens, New York City, New York
Country	United States
Location in New York City
Architecture
Architect(s)	Frank Grad
Architectural type	Synagogue
Architectural style	Moderne architecture
Date established	1939 (as a congregation)
Completed	1948

The Rego Park Jewish Center is a special building in Rego Park, a neighborhood in Queens, New York City. It is a synagogue, which is a place where Jewish people gather to worship, learn, and connect with their community. This synagogue follows the rules of Conservative Judaism, which is a branch of the Jewish faith.

The building was finished in 1948. It was designed by an architecture company called Frank Grad & Sons. The style of the building is called Streamline Moderne, which is a type of Art Deco. This style uses smooth, rounded shapes and clean lines, often making buildings look like they are moving fast. The front of the building has a beautiful mosaic artwork. This mosaic was created by an artist from Hungary named A. Raymond Katz.

The Rego Park Jewish Center is considered very important. It is listed on both the New York State and the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is a historic building that is protected and recognized for its special design and history.

What is a Synagogue?

A synagogue is the main place of worship for people who follow the Jewish religion. It is similar to a church for Christians or a mosque for Muslims. In a synagogue, people pray, study the Torah (holy Jewish texts), and celebrate holidays together. It's a central spot for the Jewish community.

Conservative Judaism Explained

There are different ways people practice Judaism. Conservative Judaism is one of the main branches. It tries to keep many traditional Jewish laws and customs. However, it also allows for some changes to fit modern life. This means it is often seen as a middle ground between very traditional (Orthodox) and more modern (Reform) forms of Judaism.

The Building's Unique Style

The Rego Park Jewish Center is a great example of Streamline Moderne architecture. This style was popular in the 1930s and 1940s. It came after the Art Deco style. Streamline Moderne buildings often look sleek and futuristic. They use smooth curves, long horizontal lines, and sometimes even porthole windows, like on a ship. The goal was to show speed and progress.

The mosaic on the front of the building is a special piece of art. Mosaics are pictures or designs made from small pieces of colored glass, stone, or other materials. They are put together to form a larger image. A. Raymond Katz was known for his religious art, and his mosaic adds a lot to the synagogue's look.

Why is it a Historic Place?

When a building is on the National Register of Historic Places, it means it's important to the history of the United States. These buildings are recognized for their architecture, their role in local events, or their connection to important people. Being on this list helps protect the building. It also makes people more aware of its value and encourages its preservation for future generations. The Rego Park Jewish Center is important because of its unique design and its role in the Jewish community of Queens.

Gallery

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  Mosaic by A. Raymond Katz

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  Main building

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  Entire complex as seen from Queens Blvd.