page_title: Free Synagogue of Flushing
section_title: Current building
hierarchical_section_title: Free Synagogue of Flushing / Current building
caption_attribution_description: English: Sanctuary This is an image of a place or building that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places in the United States of America. Its reference number is 09000834.
context_page_description: The Free Synagogue of Flushing is a historic synagogue located at 41-60 Kissena Boulevard in Flushing, Queens, New York City. It was added to the National Register of Historical Places in 2009. Its establishment is based on the free synagogue movement, started by Stephen Samuel Wise.
context_section_description: The white Victorian-style building that White built was moved in 1926 to the Sanford Avenue frontage of the synagogue to make way for a larger sanctuary, the present Free Synagogue of Flushing.  This neoclassical building designed by Maurice Courland, who is a specialist in synagogue design, features a massive portico supported by four Ionic pillars. Ascending the stately steps is magnificent sanctuary where dark green pilasters support the walls upon which rest the enormous dome. The building is beautified with ornamental Judaic motifs, such as a seven-branched menorah right outside the doors of the synagogue. Tiffany style stained glass windows crafted in Czechoslovakia bathe the sanctuary in rich, radiant colors. Inscribed in the front is the verse "FOR MINE HOUSE SHALL BE CALLED A HOUSE OF PRAYER FOR ALL PEOPLE" (Isaiah 56:7).
  The windows depict Noah's Ark, the lions of Judah, great swirls of leaves and vines and delicate flowers used in the Sukkot prayer, and the two hands of the Priestly Blessing. In the center of the domed ceiling that covers the entire sanctuary is a smaller stained-glass dome designed around a Star of David and intricate, gold-leaf filigree, hand-turned and carved, graces the wood that is a dark green color.  It is a synagogue-in-the-round which provides a sense of intimacy during its spiritual services.  In 1964, a three-story school building was added to accommodate the religious school and adult education classes. It is listed on both the New York  State and National Register of Historic Places.
  Since 2009 the synagogue building has been undergoing an extensive renovation.  The new windows, on the south side of the temple near Sanford Avenue are the latest part of the ongoing repairs.  The New York Landmarks Conservancy awarded their first-ever Historic Synagogue Fund award for the restoration of its monumental stained glass windows and wood sash, and in December 2011, the synagogue dedicated its new stained glass windows with prayers led by Rabbi Michael S. Weisser.
caption: Interior
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