Congregation Talmud Torah of Los Angeles
Also known as: Breed Street Shul; Breed Street Synagogue
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Why it's listed
Two buildings on a small lot at 247 North Breed Street in Boyle Heights make up the Breed Street Shul. The main synagogue, built in 1922-1923 of brick, has a Byzantine Revival front with alternating light and dark bands, cast stone ornament, arched doorways and Star of David motifs. Its sanctuary was designed for about 1,100 worshippers and has a barrel-vaulted ceiling painted to represent the heavens, plus hand-painted Judaic symbols and zodiac signs. Behind it stands the earlier wood-framed school building and prayer hall, begun in 1914-1915. Boyle Heights was the most populous Jewish community in Los Angeles from about 1910 to 1950, and the congregation offered worship, education and social support to Eastern European immigrants. The architecture is described as the most modest local example of its style and the only one faced in brick. Architect Abram M. Edelman is credited with the design. The complex is now vacant and protected by barricades, with plans for rehabilitation as a museum and cultural center.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues that the Shul played a pivotal role in Jewish settlement, religious practice and education in Boyle Heights and east Los Angeles, especially between about 1910 and 1950. It also qualifies as a rare, modest example of Byzantine Revival architecture, and is the only local example of the style faced in brick.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 01001192, listed November 4, 2001. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 247 N. Breed St., Los Angeles |
|---|---|
| County | Los Angeles County |
| Listed | November 4, 2001 |
| Reference number | 01001192 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1915-1951 |
| Architect / builder | Edelman, Abram (Abraham) M., Architect; Zimmerman, Archie C., Architect; Barnett, Leo W., Architect; Gorelnik, Hyman, Contractor |
| Architectural style | Late 19th & 20th Century Revival: Byzantine Revival |
| Criteria |
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| Areas of significance | Social History, Architecture, Religion, Education |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Listed as vacant/not in use; the buildings are fenced, boarded and protected with steel and plywood panels, and the interior has been vandalized. In 2000 the property passed to a nonprofit planning to rehabilitate it as a community museum and cultural center. |
| Acreage | 0.4 |
| Coordinates | 34.04682, -118.20955 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
Noted as vacant in the nomination. Nomination documents can be decades old; current status may differ. If you are considering buying an empty listed property, read the due-diligence checklist.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 01001192.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q4960190
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.