Central Oklahoma City in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)
Temple B'Nai Israel
(Children of Israel)
| | First Permanent Jewish House of Worship in Oklahoma | |
Photographed by Jerry Klinger
1. Temple B'Nai Israel Marker
Jews have lived in Oklahoma since the mid 19th century. In 1903, Jews in Oklahoma City organized Temple B'Nai Israel. During its first few years, the congregation met at several local churches. The synagogue, located at 50 Broadway Circle, was dedicated on January 17, 1908. Temple B'Nai Israel remained in this building until 1955, when they moved to a new synagogue on North Pennsylvania Avenue. Temple B'Nai Israel affirmed the American principals of religion and assembly in Oklahoma.
Erected by Institute of Southern Jewish Life, Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation, Temple B'Nai Israel.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Places. In addition, it is included in the Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation., and the Synagogues series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is January 17, 1908.
Location. 35° 31.217′ N, 97° 32.886′ W. Marker is near Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in Oklahoma County. It is in Central Oklahoma City. It is on North Pennsylvania Avenue. Marker located adjacent to present Temple B'Nai Israel in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Touch for map.
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Regionally, this marker is in Central Oklahoma Frontier Country. It is also in the American South, specifically on the prairies, and on the Southern Plains. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: 3711 McKinley Blvd. (approx. one mile away); Israel M. Putnam Home (approx. one mile away); Nellie Melton Panhellenic Quadrangle (approx. 1.7 miles away); Aduddell Fitness Center (approx. 1.7 miles away); Oklahoma United Methodist Hall (approx. 1.8 miles away); Site of Historic Frederickson Field House (approx. 1.8 miles away); Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center (approx. 1.8 miles away); Chickasaw Nation Garden (approx. 1.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oklahoma City.
More about this marker.
courtesy of the William A. Rosenthall Judaica Collection, College of Charleston Libraries, circa 1920
2. Synagogue, Oklahoma City, Okla.
"Black-and-white photographic postcard of the exterior of the former location of Temple B'nai Israel in Oklahoma City."
Additional keywords. First synagogue in Oklahoma.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 21, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 21, 2019, by Jerry Klinger of Boynton Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 486 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 21, 2019, by Jerry Klinger of Boynton Beach, Florida. 2. submitted on May 28, 2019. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photo of marker installed and a wide shot of the marker and its surroundings. • Can you help?
