The synagogue was built for Orthodox Jewish immigrants from Poland, Russia, and Lithuania in the La Merced neighborhood.

[citation needed] Raquel Franklin, the architect, claimed that the building's Torah ark was influenced in its design by that of the synagogue of Shavel (Šiauliai) in Lithuania.

“The double facade of Nidjei Israel is significant: it leaves the office building towards the street, with a Neo-colonial facade in line with the colonial surroundings of the Historic Center, and which surely followed the tax incentives offered for any construction representing that style; The interior facade of the main building shows the influence of 19th century synagogue designs, inspired by the Neo-Romanesque.“Mónica Unikel-Fasja, in her book Synagogues of Mexico, wrote: “The monumentality of the bimah (sort of pulpit) is impressive, undoubtedly the most elaborate of those existing in Mexico, placed in the center in the Ashkenazi fashion.

It is made of richly carved wood with cut glasses describing musical instruments: drum, harp, zither and lute, as well as recurring Jewish symbols: the talit (religious shawl), palm leaf, citron and the Star of David among sacred prayers.“The Nidjei Israel Synagogue was created based on the need for prayer spaces as the Ashkenazi Jewish community of Mexico City grew.

It remained closed for over three decades, but on December 13, 2009 it was re-inaugurated with a community event and reopened to house various cultural and religious activities.