8. Ocean Parkway Jewish Center dates back to 1924
Orthodox Jews make up one of the predominant religious groups of Kensington who attend the many synagogues, yeshivas, and cultural centers in the neighborhood. These include Yeshiva Shaare Torah, Young Israel of Kensington, the Gorsky Havkazi Jewish Center, and Congregation Beis HaLevi. Ocean Parkway Jewish Center is one of the most historic in Brooklyn, dating back to 1924 and designed in the Neoclassical style. The cornerstone was placed by Mr. and Mrs. Louis Winkelstein on April 26, 1925.
The synagogue, which was added to the NRHP in 2009, was established in 1924 after the merging of the West Flatbush Jewish Center and the Congregation of Kensington. The building was completed in 1926, standing three stories tall with an attic and basement. Costing $450,000 at the time, the building includes an ornate front facade with three rounded-arch entrances. At the time, the synagogue was associated with the Conservative movement, though it more recently became Orthodox.