Congregation Beth Israel (Houston) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Congregation Beth Israel |
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Beth Israel synagogue
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Reform Judaism |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Synagogue |
| Leadership |
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| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | 5600 N. Braeswood Blvd., Houston, Texas 77096 |
| Country | United States |
 Location in Texas
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| Architecture | |
| Date established | 1854 (as a congregation) |
| Completed |
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Congregation Beth Israel is a Reform Jewish community and synagogue in Houston, Texas. It is located at 5600 North Braeswood Boulevard. This congregation was started in 1854. This makes it the oldest Jewish congregation in Texas. Beth Israel also runs a school called the Shlenker School.
Contents
The Story of Beth Israel
Starting as an Orthodox Community
The Beth Israel community began in 1854. It was first an Orthodox Jewish group. They officially became a legal organization in 1859. Their first synagogue was a house that was changed into a place of worship.
Becoming a Reform Synagogue
In 1874, the members decided to change their way of practicing Judaism. They voted to become a Reform Jewish congregation. This decision led some members to start a new group. That new group is now known as Congregation Beth Yeshurun.
Moving to New Buildings
Over the years, Congregation Beth Israel has had several homes:
- Franklin Avenue Temple (1874): Their first purpose-built temple was finished in 1874. It was in what is now Downtown Houston.
- Crawford Street Temple (1908): In 1908, the congregation moved to a new temple. This building was on Crawford at Lamar Street. This area used to be a Jewish neighborhood. Today, a park called The Grove at Discovery Green is in that spot.
- Austin Street Temple (1925): A new temple was opened in 1925. It was located at Austin Street and Holman Avenue. This building was designed by Joseph Finger, who was a member of the congregation. It has a special style called Streamline Moderne. This building is now a historic landmark.
- North Braeswood Boulevard (1967): By the 1960s, many Jewish families were moving to the Meyerland area. To be closer to its members, the congregation moved to its current location. This new temple opened in 1967 on North Braeswood Boulevard.
Changes Over Time
In 1943, there were some disagreements within the congregation. Some members left to form a new synagogue called Emanu-El. By 1967, Beth Israel welcomed all Jewish beliefs.
The old Austin Street temple building was bought by the Houston Independent School District in 1966. It was used as an annex for San Jacinto High School. Later, it became the first home for Houston's High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. Today, it is a performance hall for Houston Community College. It is called the Heinen Theatre.
Current Leadership
Today, Rabbi David Lyon, Rabbi Adrienne Scott, and Cantor Kenneth Feibush lead the congregation.
What's at Beth Israel Today?
The Current Synagogue Building
The synagogue at 5600 North Braeswood Boulevard has a beautiful lobby. It features twelve special needlepoint artworks. These artworks were inspired by the famous Chagall windows at the Hadassah Medical Center. The building has been made bigger over time. This was done to make space for the Jewish school.
The Shlenker School
The Shlenker School is located right on the synagogue's property. It is a Jewish school that is well-known. The school is approved by the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest. During the COVID-19 pandemic in Texas, more students joined The Shlenker School. Many families liked that the school continued to offer in-person classes.
Cemeteries
Congregation Beth Israel owns and takes care of two cemeteries.
- West Dallas Cemetery: This is the oldest Jewish cemetery in Houston. It was started in 1844. It is located at 1201 West Dallas. This cemetery has a special building called the Temple of Rest Mausoleum. It was designed by Joseph Finger. It has amazing stained-glass windows and bronze work.
- Antoine Drive Cemetery: The other cemetery is at 1111 Antoine Drive. It is in west Houston. This cemetery has recently been made larger. It also includes a columbarium, which is a place for urns containing ashes.
Well-Known Members
- Josh Wolf (born 2000), a baseball player for Team Israel.
Images for kids
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Texas Historic Landmark marker at the former synagogue site
See also
