Actors Temple
Also known as: Congregation Ezrath Israel
Why it's listed
Actors Temple is a modest brick synagogue at 339 West 47th Street, one block west of Times Square. Designed by Sidney F. Oppenheimer and completed in 1922, it was fitted inside the walls of an older tenement on a lot only 25 feet wide. Its tan brick facade uses cast stone trim, classical cornices, a round-arched center window and stained glass, including a Star of David. Originally Congregation Ezrath Israel, it took the name Actors Temple in 1925 under Rabbi Beril Birstein, who invited vaudeville performers and other entertainers to worship there. Figures such as Sophie Tucker, Milton Berle, Edward G. Robinson and Eddie Cantor are linked to the congregation. Birstein led it until his death in 1959, and his funeral closed 47th Street. The nomination presents the building as a place where Jewish entertainers, often shut out of other congregations, were accepted. The sanctuary's balcony dates from a 1954 remodeling, and the building remains in use as a synagogue.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues it is significant under Criterion A for its link to the social history of New York's Theatre District and its community of Jewish actors and entertainers during the Golden Age of Entertainment. It is also significant under Criterion B for its association with Rabbi Beril Birstein, who led the congregation from 1925 until his death in 1959 and welcomed performers into synagogue life.
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 05000445, listed May 19, 2005. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 339 W. 47th St., New York |
|---|---|
| County | Manhattan |
| Listed | May 19, 2005 |
| Reference number | 05000445 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1925-1959 |
| Architect / builder | Sydney F. Oppenheimer, architect, New York City, NY |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Social History |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Still in use as a synagogue; the sanctuary was remodeled in 1954 and the building has had no alterations since. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 40.76134, -73.98904 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
Religious properties are listed for their architectural or historical significance, not their religious use. Listing is honorary and does not restrict the congregation's use of the building. The federal rehabilitation credit is generally unavailable unless part of the building is income-producing; some state programmes and preservation grants do cover religious buildings. Federal funding or permits trigger Section 106 review.
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 05000445.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q7712319
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.