The Congregation Bene Scholem was organized in 1856 and worshipped in various
rented or purchased locations until they built this synagogue on Olive Street in
New Haven in 1895. The congregation remained in existance until 1936 when
they disolved and gave their religious paraphernalia and synagogue furniture
to the Jewish Home for the Aged. Even though the congregation called itself orthodox,
they apparently never had separate seating for men and women. Most of the
members over the years originated in eastern Germany and Poland.
Besides the Olive Street Shul, this synagogue was also called the "Paylisher Shul."

This newspaper picture from the early 1900s is the only known photograph
of the synagogue. The building has been remodeled several times since 1936 and
now houses offices.

This picture was published in Volumes I and V of Jews in New Haven.