DescriptionGround was broken for B'Nai Israel synagogue on May 14, 1949. The cornerstone was laid on October 8, 1950 and the dedication took place on April 29, 1951. Percival Goodman, a professor at Columbia University was the architect. Noted as an example of modern religious architecture, it was one of the first temples to install abstract art. Most acclaimed is the "Burning Bush" on the exterior of the building by Herbert Ferber and is visible in this photograph.