Built in the fall of 1921, Congregation Brith Sholem of Ogden, Utah, is the oldest continuously active synagogue in the state. Today, the congregation continues to serve as a spiritual and cultural home, drawing congregants from Northern Utah to Southern Idaho through weekly worship services, educational programs, and community gatherings. Reflecting its enduring legacy, the synagogue’s historic beauty is showcased in its remarkable architectural details, including its Byzantine-inspired entrance, intricate stonework, and symbols that reflect the faith and traditions of generations past. More than a historic landmark, Congregation Brith Sholem remains a living testament to resilience, community, and the enduring presence of Jewish life in Utah.

I would like to thank the esteemed Janice Ward, President, Congregation Brith Sholem, for her support and guidance.

Congregation Brith Sholem is housed in a distinctive single-story brick synagogue in Ogden. The building features gable ends facing east and west. On the west façade, three steps lead to the main entrance, where recessed double doors are framed by an elaborate stone surround.

The entrance is flanked by two Byzantine-style columns that support a broad stone frieze and a projecting semicircular pediment. Carved into the tympanum is a Star of David radiating outward with sunburst-like rays. The stone frieze bears the inscription “Congregation Brith Sholem,” while the lintel above the doors is engraved with the welcoming message: “May the doors of this synagogue be wide enough for all to enter.”

At the eastern end of the building, a semicircular projection houses the ark, the sacred cabinet where the Torah scrolls are kept.

Recognizing its architectural and historical significance, the synagogue was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.

Congregation Brith Sholem serves the Jewish community of Ogden and the surrounding region with worship services that are informal, welcoming, and rich in song and tradition. Friday evening services begin at 7:00 p.m. and typically last about an hour, while Saturday morning services are held periodically throughout the year and include the reading of the Torah. Services are led primarily by volunteer members of the congregation, with a student rabbi conducting worship once each month, reflecting the congregation’s strong spirit of community participation.

Throughout the year, Congregation Brith Sholem follows the traditional Jewish calendar by celebrating major religious holidays and festivals together. Among these are Sukkot, the eight-day Festival of Booths that follows the High Holidays; Pesach (Passover), commemorating the Israelites’ Exodus from Egypt with........

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