Beth Joseph Synagogue in Tupper Lake
Built in 1905, it’s the oldest synagogue in the Adirondacks.
Photos courtesy Beth Joseph
Tupper Lake has long been a welcoming home to immigrants, including those from Europe, the Middle East, and other regions. Many of the area's Jewish residents came to Tupper Lake from Eastern Europe in the late 19th century, starting first in cities such as New York and then moving northward to create better lives for their families.
Out of that migration, a Jewish community established itself in Tupper Lake, resulting in the construction of Beth Joseph Synagogue in 1905. The synagogue is an architecturally stunning building, filled with finely-crafted woodwork, elegantly simple chandeliers, and radiant stained glass windows.
For example, behind the “bimah.” or altar, a hand-embroidered curtain covers the ark, which holds the Torah scrolls used for worship. Floor-to-ceiling, the building feels warm and inviting, thanks to the gentle light and the wood paneling's richness, all done by hand.
The building's unique design has generated interest from preservationists and organizations that appreciate Adirondack architecture.
Beth Joseph Synagogue was originally an Orthodox place of worship, and its design was meant to reflect the old synagogues of Eastern Europe, a reminder of a home left long ago.
The balcony on the second floor once held the female members of the congregation, who prayed separately from the men; nowadays, it tends to be where the children sit, their whispers and giggles drifting downward. At least their not suppressing the ladies anymore.
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