1929 Dedication/Groundbreaking for Temple Emanuel in Paterson NJ
Temple Emanuel was founded as a conservative congregation to provide a place for the Jews of Paterson and the surrounding area to worship in a way that was adaptable to American life while still adhering to traditional Jewish customs.
Due to the growing community and increasing membership, the Temple’s president, Jacob Fabian, a vaudeville and movie theater owner, donated the funds in 1928 for the construction of a new Temple on Broadway and East 33rd Street. He supervised its construction and hired Fred Wesley Wentworth, a renowned architect, to design a magnificent synagogue reminiscent of Fabian’s grand movie palaces.
Movie reel of the groundbreaking ceremony
The magnificent art deco building, designed by Frederick W. Wentworth, was completed in 1929.
The original movie reel, which was donated by Gilbert Dorfman, is archived at the Jewish Historical Society of North Jersey headquarters in Fair Lawn, NJ