Synagogues have always been the roots of a Jewish community. Wherever Jewish people have gone, they have gathered for communal prayer and congregational support. Jewish community provides a feeling of home in this big, often scary world.
For 175 years, Congregation Beth El has been providing that sense of home for its congregants. On Saturday, November 8 at 7 pm, the congregation will celebrate 175 years of Jewish life in Tidewater (see page 23 for details).
A brief history of Congregation Beth El
• 1844- Jacob Umstadter arrives in Norfolk from Germany. Umstadter, who became the Kosher slaughterer and cantor for the small Jewish community, was shocked by the religious laxity he found and began to conduct regular religious services.
• 1850- In 1848, a synagogue called “Congregation House of Jacob” began in rented quarters. In 1850, a cemetery was established on Princess Anne Road. This date was chosen by Congregation Beth El as its official beginning.
• 1859- The congregation built its own synagogue on a lot purchased from the Umstadters on the east side of Cumberland Street and held the first service in their new house of worship by the end of that year.
• 1867- The congregation was reconstituted as Ohef Sholom Temple in September 1867.
• 1870- The Civil War brought with it a sweep of Liberalism that caused factions to develop between the traditional founding members and the emerging reform philosophy of newer members agitating for a change in ritual practice. Consequently, the Traditionalists, led by Jacob Umstadter, resigned from the congregation and on February 27, 1870, founded a new synagogue with the name Beth El, thus providing a historical continuity from 1848 to 1870, even though traditional religious services took place under several different congregational names.
• 1880- Beth El purchased the old Cumberland Street synagogue (Ohef Sholom Temple had previously moved to larger quarters).
• 1913- Under the outstanding leadership of Rabbi Louis Goldberg, Beth El became one of the 13 charter members of the United Synagogue of America (today, the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism).
• 1921- A new building was erected on what is now Shirley Avenue.
• 1934- In 1934, Rabbi Paul Reich joined Beth El and would lead the congregation for the next 33 years. Under him, the congregation grew from 100 families to more than 800.
• 1939- The Barr Office and Educational Center was constructed and the school wing was completely renovated. Beth El’s total complex now comprises almost the entire city block.
• 1950- The original structure eventually became the synagogue’s social hall (Myers Hall) when the present 1,400 seat sanctuary was constructed.
• 1988- Rabbi Ruberg began serving as rabbi for 28 years and continues as Rabbi Emeritus.
• 2011- Rabbi Arnowitz led Beth El into the future.
• 2025- Rabbi Herber becomes the temple’s rabbi.