The Second Congregation Beth Israel in San Diego, California, was known as "Third & Laurel." The former sanctuary, social hall and school building are now used by another Jewish congregation, Shalom! As Jewish pioneer families moved to the United States Southwest and established communities, synagogues served important religious and cultural purposes. Besides fulfilling the need for a formal house of worship, synagogues also were extremely important for preserving Jewish identity in these often sparsely populated communities. Photographs of Temple Albert and Temple Mt. Sinai, both in New Mexico and built in the late 19th century, show the influence of Moorish architecture. This exhibit focuses on synagogues from El Paso, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and Southern California. Synagogues of El Paso, Texas Synagogues of New Mexico Synagogues of Arizona Synagogues of Southern California Synagogues in the U. S. Southwest display diverse architectures, serve as focal points for their communities, and preserve sacred religious objects. The age-old beauty of these images are a legacy of endurance for Judaism in the Southwest. Contemporary synagogue architecture shows how these traditions are expressed in the Southwest today. Visit our gallery: Religious objects Contemporary synagogue architecture If you live in the U. S. Southwest and your synagogue or community is interested in participating in Synagogues of the Southwest send an e-mail message. Our website can include material on your synagogue or community's history, images of buildings and congregants, and links to established websites.