Temple Beth-El (Birmingham, Alabama) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Temple Beth-El |
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Conservative Judaism |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Synagogue |
| Leadership | Rabbi Steven Henkin |
| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | 2179 Highland Avenue, Birmingham, Alabama |
| Country | United States |
 Location in Alabama
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| Administration | United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism |
| Architecture | |
| Date established | 1907 (as a congregation) |
| Completed | 1926 |
Temple Beth-El is a synagogue in Birmingham, Alabama. It follows Conservative Judaism, which is a branch of the Jewish faith. The temple was started in 1907. It is the only Conservative synagogue in Birmingham and one of only four in the whole state of Alabama.
Rabbi Steven Henkin became the main rabbi (religious leader) in July 2022.
The History of Temple Beth-El
Jewish people first came to Birmingham in 1873. They were looking for business chances in this growing city, known for its coal and ore. In 1881, about a dozen families held the first Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) services in a private home. Many more Jewish people moved to Birmingham in the 1880s.
In 1882, a group called Temple Emanu-El officially formed. This was a Reform congregation. They built their first synagogue in 1889.
Another Jewish group, Knesseth Israel, built its synagogue in 1903. This group followed Orthodox Judaism. Temple Beth-El was the third synagogue in Birmingham. It started in 1907, also as an Orthodox group. However, in 1944, Temple Beth-El joined the Conservative movement.
The main building of Temple Beth-El was built in 1926. It is located on Highland Avenue in Birmingham. In the 1990s, they added a cultural center and classrooms. More updates were made in the 2000s to the main prayer area (sanctuary), a smaller chapel, and the social hall. Temple Beth-El is special because it has its own mikvah (a ritual bath). Not many Conservative synagogues in the United States have one.
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Today, Temple Beth-El serves about 600 to 700 Jewish families in the Birmingham area. It also has groups for women (Sisterhood), men (Men's Club), and young people (youth groups).
Temple Beth-El and the Civil Rights Movement
The 1950s and 1960s were a time of big changes in Birmingham. This was during the civil rights movement, when people worked to end unfair treatment based on race. Sometimes, there were conflicts and even bombings of religious buildings.
On April 28, 1958, something dangerous happened at Temple Beth-El. Some sticks of dynamite were placed outside the building. Luckily, heavy rain put out the burning fuses. This stopped the dynamite from exploding. The people responsible for this crime were never officially caught.
