On October 4, 1961 Buffalo lost one of its architectural landmarks. A fire, fueled by flammable liquids being used to refinish the pews destroyed Temple Beth Zion's magnificent Byzantine Temple. From the ashes grew the resolve of the 1500 family congregation to rebuild.

Max Abramavitz's modern design consists of encircling walls of ten scallops, symbolic of the Ten Commandments. They rise skyward as arm's raised in prayer. The exterior is covered with curved sheets of Alabama limestone.

Inside the modern structure exudes a sense of openness. Renowned artist Ben Shahn designed the two stained glass windows on the east and west sides which extend to a height of forty feet. The widow on the west wall above the main entrance is the 150th Psalm, which calls on all to praise God. The east wall window behind the altar contains a massive upturned hand symbolizing creation. Two thirty-foot high Ten-Commandment Tablets dominate the main altar. Ben Shahn design's features the first letter of each commandment in mosaic, followed by the rest of the text in gold leaf.

The simple wooden pews of the sanctuary seat 600 people. The encircling balcony seats an additional 400 and houses a 48 rank, 4000 pipe organ featuring trumpets from the Lafayette Theater organ. Behind the sanctuary is the Cofeld Judaic Museum, with a superb collection of Judaic art and artifacts.