# Bet Shira Congregation

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Bet Shira Congregation Religion Affiliation Conservative Judaism Ecclesiastical or organizational status Synagogue Leadership Rabbi Jesse Charyn Status Active Location Location 7500 SW 120th Street, Miami, Florida Country United States Location within Miami Coordinates 25°39′31″N 80°19′2″W / 25.65861°N 80.31722°W / 25.65861; -80.31722 Architecture Type Synagogue Established 1985 (as a congregation) Completed 1988 (in current location) Website www.betshira.org

**Bet Shira Congregation** is a [Conservative](/source/Conservative_Judaism) [synagogue](/source/Synagogue) located at 7500 SW 120th Street in [Miami, Florida](/source/Miami%2C_Florida), in the United States.[1]

## History

In February 1985, a nucleus of families left Congregation Beth David to form a new congregation, Bet Shira.[2][3] The membership grew to 300 families in the weeks that followed. The name "Bet Shira" (House of Song) was selected to reflect the upbeat and dynamic character of the founders.[3] In May 1988, the Letty Roth Synagogue Complex was dedicated as was the Arin Stacey Applebaum Sanctuary.[4][5]

In January 1990, Mark Kula, a graduate of the Cantor Institute of the [Jewish Theological Seminary](/source/Jewish_Theological_Seminary_of_America) in New York City, became Bet Shira's new cantor.[6] In August 1992, [Hurricane Andrew](/source/Hurricane_Andrew) badly damaged the synagogue.[7][8]

In 2005, the synagogue was serving 500 families.[4] That year, Sam Rosen of Bet Shira Congregation was chosen as co-winner of the Jewish community's Teacher of the Year, Excellence in Teaching Award by the Center for the Advancement of Jewish Education.[9] In 2007, the synagogue acquired a Torah scroll that during World War II had been smuggled out of the Polish town of [Tarnów](/source/Tarn%C3%B3w), when it was invaded by [Nazis](/source/Nazi) and its Jewish population destroyed, and protected by monks in a monastery near [Kiev](/source/Kiev) until the Soviet Union collapsed.[10]

## Community programs

Bet Shira holds an annual "[Mitzvah](/source/Mitzvah) day" every year, where volunteers, and members engage in activities such as: Beautification of community sites, planting trees at homes of the disabled and elderly as part of a "Treemendous Miami" project; blood drives; and many clothing, food, toy and medical supply drives to benefit the Miami community.[11][12][13]

The synagogue's Early Childhood Center was also a site of "Project Kavod", a three-year pilot program in improving the culture of employment in early childhood, by the [Coalition for the Advancement of Jewish Education](/source/Coalition_for_the_Advancement_of_Jewish_Education), which was launched in 2004.[14][15]

### Drive-through sukkah

For the holiday of [Sukkot](/source/Sukkot), Bet Shira erects what is believed to be the first and only drive-through [Sukkah](/source/Sukkah),[16] a tent in the parking lot of the synagogue that it calls the "McBet Shira Sukkah", allowing the community to participate in the celebration of the holiday from the convenience of their cars.[17][18] Members of the public can drive into the sukkah, park, lower their car window, and say the blessings for the holiday, including shaking a [lulav](/source/Lulav) and an [etrog](/source/Etrog), as volunteers hand them snacks at the end of their visit.[17] The idea, put into effect first in 2009, is credited to Cantor Mark Kula, who noted that cars are "integral" to people's lifestyles.[16] He explained that “We sit as we drive; this way, we can sit in our cars in the Sukkah." He also commented that "Perhaps realizing the fragility of the Sukkah will encourage us to drive more carefully.”[19][20]

## Clergy and staff

David H. Auerbach was the founding rabbi of the synagogue. He is from Montreal, Canada, and had served as rabbi of Ahavat Achim synagogue in Atlanta, Georgia, and then senior rabbi of Beth David Congregation in Miami prior to the founding of Bet Shira. Since his retirement in 2005, he served as the rabbi emeritus of the synagogue, until his passing in September 2016. In 2005, Rabbi Auerbach was followed as rabbi by Micah Caplan,[21] until 2010. In July 2010, Brian Schuldenfrei assumed the post of senior rabbi. Schuldenfrei had been associate rabbi at [Sinai Temple](/source/Sinai_Temple_(Los_Angeles%2C_California)) in Los Angeles, California.[22]

Mark Kula, brother of Rabbi [Irwin Kula](/source/Irwin_Kula), assumed the post of [cantor](/source/Hazzan) in 1989. Mark and his father Morton Kula are the only father and son that have been ordained as cantors by the [Jewish Theological Seminary of America](/source/Jewish_Theological_Seminary_of_America) in New York. Prior to coming to Miami, Mark was the assistant cantor of New York's [Park Avenue Synagogue](/source/Park_Avenue_Synagogue). In 2013 Mark was appointed the Rabbi of the congregation and served as Rabbi until 2018.

In 2008, the synagogue appointed Renée Rittner as its education director.[23]

in 2019, Ben Herman was hired as Bet Shira's rabbi.

## Religious school

The synagogue has an active religious school that serves students from pre-school through the [Bar and Bat Mitzvah](/source/Bar_and_Bat_Mitzvah) training.

## Customs

The congregation is a conservative synagogue and is affiliated with the [United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism](/source/United_Synagogue_of_Conservative_Judaism). As implied by its name (House of Song), Bet Shira values music and its incorporation into daily and ritual life. Although regular services are held in traditional style, without musical instruments, it is a custom of the synagogue to conduct services throughout the year accompanied by musical instruments.[24]

## Anti-semitic attacks

In February 1988, an improperly drawn [swastika](/source/Swastika)[25] and anti-Semitic slogans and "Jesus Lives; You Can't Kill Him" and "Accept Hitler, Respect Christ" were plastered across the synagogue, and 30 windows were smashed.[26][27] In response, a neighboring church put a [Star of David](/source/Star_of_David) on its lawn, and its parish donated $1,000 towards repairing the windows.[26][28][29] [Miami Sunset High School](/source/Miami_Sunset_High_School) students painted over the anti-Semitic slurs spray-painted by the vandals.[30] Four teenagers, three of whom were football players at [Miami Palmetto High School](/source/Miami_Palmetto_High_School), were sentenced for having vandalized the synagogue to 200 hours of [community service](/source/Community_service) and ordered to pay the $14,800 ($40,300 today) in damages.[31][32]

Two years later, on five occasions in six weeks vandals shot at windows at the synagogue.[33][34] Three teenagers, two of them students at Palmetto High School, were arrested for shooting out the windows.[35]

## See also

- [Timeline of antisemitism in the 20th century](/source/Timeline_of_antisemitism_in_the_20th_century)

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** Sheldon, Betsy (2001). [*The Jewish travel guide*](https://books.google.com/books?id=tyEAAghgYacC&dq=%22Bet+Shira+Congregation%22&pg=PA108). Hunter Publishing, Inc. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9781588431998](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9781588431998). Retrieved June 22, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** Olitzsky, Kerry M. (1996). [*The American Synagogue: a historical dictionary and sourcebook*](https://books.google.com/books?id=weL9M46TcU8C&dq=bet+shira&pg=PA102). Greenwood Publishing Co. p. 102. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-313-28856-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-313-28856-9).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-bet_history_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-bet_history_3-1) ["Bet Shira Congregation » History"](https://web.archive.org/web/20111001071817/http://www.betshira.org/about/history/). Betshira.org. May 5, 1988. Archived from [the original](http://www.betshira.org/about/history/) on 2011-10-01. Retrieved June 24, 2011.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-newsbank1_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-newsbank1_4-1) ["Song and Service"](http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=MH&s_site=miami&p_multi=MH&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=10A8248A6D8D8C1A&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM). *Miami Herald*. May 28, 2005. Retrieved June 24, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["At Bet Shira ..."](http://www.betshira.org/) betshira.org. Retrieved June 24, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["He's Following in his Father's Footsteps"](http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=MH&s_site=miami&p_multi=MH&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB33F47479D75CD&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM). *Miami Herald*. January 18, 1990. Retrieved June 24, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** Goldman, Ari L. (September 5, 1992). ["Religion Notes"](https://www.nytimes.com/1992/09/05/us/religion-notes.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm). *The New York Times*. Retrieved June 24, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["Storm-Hit Churches, Synagogues, Help Each Other"](https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=WJgsAAAAIBAJ&sjid=WfwDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4097,6843471&dq=bet-shira-congregation&hl=en). *Lakeland Ledger*. November 29, 1992. Retrieved June 24, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["Bet Breira Teacher Receives High Honor"](http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=MH&s_site=miami&p_multi=MH&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=10C7AB5E89C071D8&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM). *Miami Herald*. September 1, 2005. Retrieved June 24, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** ["Event Touches on Sacred Scroll"](http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=MH&s_site=miami&p_multi=MH&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=11C54F8A6984A1B0&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM). *Miami Herald*. October 14, 2007. Retrieved June 24, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["Call to service answered on Mitzvah Day"](http://docs.newsbank.com/g/GooglePM/MH/lib00245,11778951DCD685C8.html). *Miami Herald*. February 15, 2007. Retrieved June 24, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["Good word for a good deed"](http://docs.newsbank.com/g/GooglePM/MH/lib00245,1176982233BDBA40.html). *Miami Herald*. February 8, 2007. Retrieved June 24, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["Walking tour of Kampong garden offered"](http://docs.newsbank.com/g/GooglePM/MH/lib00245,126B541974B6E750.html). *Miami Herald*. February 15, 2009. Retrieved June 24, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** Goodman, Roberta Louis; Flexner, Paul A.; Dale Bloomberg, Linda (2008). [*What We Now Know About Jewish Education: Perspectives on research for practice*](https://books.google.com/books?id=WUxlo0Q6qBUC&dq=bet+shira&pg=PA479). Torah Aura Productions. p. 479. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-934527-07-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-934527-07-8).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** Patricia Bidol Padva. ["Informed and Passionate Dialogue: Transformative Community Change Initiatives"](http://www.jecei.org/PDF/Bidol%20Padva%20Informed%20and%20Passionate%20Dialogue.pdf) (PDF). Jewish Early Childhood Education Initiative. Retrieved June 22, 2011.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-miamiherald1_16-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-miamiherald1_16-1) Hines, Bea (September 20, 2010). ["New senior pastor finds a Sweet Home"](http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/09/20/1834449/new-senior-pastor-finds-a-sweet.html). *Miami Herald*. Retrieved June 24, 2011.[*[permanent dead link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Link_rot)*]

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-autogenerated1_17-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-autogenerated1_17-1) ["Watercooler Stories"](http://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2009/10/05/Watercooler-Stories/UPI-57011254738600/). UPI. October 5, 2009. Retrieved June 24, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** ["Judaism: Pinecrest temple has drive-through 'sukkah', Showing a modern twist on a Jewish holiday, one temple has erected a temporary drive-through spot for prayer and reflection"](https://web.archive.org/web/20121025155318/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=MH&s_site=miami&p_multi=MH&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=12B1641F780EAD70&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM). *Miami Herald*. October 2, 2009. Archived from [the original](http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=MH&s_site=miami&p_multi=MH&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=12B1641F780EAD70&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM) on October 25, 2012. Retrieved June 24, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** Robert Hamilton, [Bet Shira Congregation again to offer ‘drive-thru’ Sukkah](http://www.communitynewspapers.com/south-miami/bet-shira-congregation-again-to-offer-%E2%80%98drive-thru%E2%80%99-sukkah/), *South Miami News*, retrieved June 23, 2011

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** ["Drive-through sukkah makes prayer easy"](http://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2009/10/04/Drive-through-sukkah-makes-prayer-easy/UPI-96651254699109/). UPI. October 4, 2009. Retrieved June 24, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** Steven Vajda (2010). [*Golden Bracelets, Common Threads*](https://books.google.com/books?id=-ZDpqkfYHLcC&dq=%22Bet+Shira+Congregation%22&pg=PT5). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9781439270158](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9781439270158). Retrieved June 22, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** ["New era begins at Bet Shira Congregation"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120905130522/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2010-10-05/news/fl-jjdc-schuldenfrei-1006-20101005_1_synagogue-new-era-sinai-temple). *Sun Sentinel*. July 12, 2002. Archived from [the original](http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2010-10-05/news/fl-jjdc-schuldenfrei-1006-20101005_1_synagogue-new-era-sinai-temple) on September 5, 2012. Retrieved June 24, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** ["Neighbors"](http://docs.newsbank.com/g/GooglePM/MH/lib00245,1226811004AF0D08.html). *Miami Herald*. July 31, 2008. Retrieved June 24, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** ["Worship"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110926053719/http://www.betshira.org/worship/). betshira.org. Archived from [the original](http://www.betshira.org/worship/) on 2011-09-26. Retrieved June 24, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** ["Window-Smashing Vandals Deface South Dade Synagogue"](http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=MH&s_site=miami&p_multi=MH&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB337133A11F0AB&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM). *Miami Herald*. February 29, 1988. Retrieved June 24, 2011.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-google2581_26-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-google2581_26-1) Nancy McVicar and Heather Dewar (September 10, 1988). ["Year After Miami, Jews Remain Uneasy with Pope"](https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=M39RAAAAIBAJ&sjid=2wYEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2581,5321574&dq=bet-shira+miami&hl=en). *Ocala Star-Banner*. Retrieved June 24, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-27)** ["Vandals Damage Miami Synagogue"](https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=GAAmAAAAIBAJ&sjid=dPwFAAAAIBAJ&pg=2918,7833154&dq=bet-shira+miami&hl=en). *The Telegraph*. February 29, 1988. Retrieved June 24, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-28)** ["Kristallnacht Elicits Haunting Memories"](https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=wQFgAAAAIBAJ&sjid=7SINAAAAIBAJ&pg=4696,1812937&dq=bet-shira+miami&hl=en). *The Press-Courier*. November 10, 1988. Retrieved June 24, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-29)** Nancy McVicar and Heather Dewar (September 16, 1988). ["One Year Later, Jews Remain Uneasy with Pope"](https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=CqgeAAAAIBAJ&sjid=V84EAAAAIBAJ&pg=3406,285557&dq=bet-shira+miami&hl=en). *Herald-Journal*. Retrieved June 24, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-30)** ["Outraged Sunset Students Paint Over Ethnic Slurs"](http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=MH&s_site=miami&p_multi=MH&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB3373CED277556&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM). *Miami Herald*. March 4, 1988. Retrieved June 24, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-31)** ["Teens Ordered to Pay for Temple Desecration"](http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=MH&s_site=miami&p_multi=MH&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB337F959066F68&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM). *Miami Herald*. May 21, 1988. Retrieved June 24, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-32)** [""Very Hard to Understand", Father of Arrested Boy Says"](http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=MH&s_site=miami&p_multi=MH&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB3373CEE6AE0DA&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM). *Miami Herald*. March 4, 1988. Retrieved June 24, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-33)** ["Vandals Strike Again at Temple"](http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=MH&s_site=miami&p_multi=MH&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB33F7A264E18AC&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM). *Miami Herald*. January 6, 1990. Retrieved June 24, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-34)** ["Hate Crimes"](http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=MH&s_site=miami&p_multi=MH&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB33F8047545210&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM). *Miami Herald*. January 8, 1990. Retrieved June 24, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-35)** ["Teens Arrested in Slingshot Raids on Synagogue"](http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=MH&s_site=miami&p_multi=MH&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB340BD1DD6B11D&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM). *Miami Herald*. June 2, 1990. Retrieved June 24, 2011.

## External links

- [Official website](http://www.betshira.org)

- [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/pages/BET-Shira-Congregation/113951361968772)

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v t e Synagogues in the United States By state Alabama Beth-El (Anniston) Knesseth Israel (Birmingham) Beth-El (Birmingham) Emanu-El (Birmingham) B'nai Sholom (Huntsville) Sha’arai Shomayim (Mobile) Agudath Israel Etz Ahayem (Montgomery) Beth Or (Montgomery) Alaska Arizona Beth Israel (Scottsdale) Emanuel (Tempe) Kol Ami (Tucson) Arkansas Shalom (Fayetteville) California Los Angeles Stephen Wise Temple (Bel Air) Beth Jacob (Beverly Hills) Emanuel (Beverly Hills) Valley Beth Shalom (Encino) Beth Israel (Highland Park & Eagle Rock) Temple Israel (Hollywood) Beth Am IKAR (LA) Wilshire Boulevard (LA) Beth Chayim Chadashim (Mid City) Ahavat Shalom (Northridge) Kehillat Israel (Pacific Palisades) Ner Tamid (Rancho Palos Verdes) Jewish Temple and Center (Pasadena) Pacific Jewish Center (Venice) Sephardic Temple (Westwood) Sinai Temple (Westwood) Bay Area Beth Israel (Berkeley) Beyt Tikkun (Berkeley) Peninsula Temple Sholom (Burlingame) B'nai Israel (Daly City) Beth Am (Los Altos Hills) Kehilla Community (Oakland) Temple Sinai (Oakland) Am Tikvah (San Francisco) Beth Sholom (San Francisco) Emanu-El (San Francisco) House of Love and Prayer (San Francisco) The Kitchen (San Francisco) Sherith Israel (San Francisco) Rodef Sholom (San Rafael) Kol Shofar (Tiburon) Beth Israel (Fresno) Chabad (Poway) B'nai Israel (Sacramento) Beth Israel (San Diego) Temple Israel (Stockton) Colorado Beth HaMedrosh Hagodol-Beth Joseph (Denver) Temple Emanuel (Denver) Temple Sinai (Denver) Temple Emanuel (Pueblo) Temple Aaron (Trinidad) Connecticut B'nai Israel (Bridgeport) Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek (Chester) Knesseth Israel (Ellington) Ahavath Achim (Fairfield) Mishkan Israel (Hamden) Beth Israel (Hartford West) Tephereth Israel (New Britain) Beth Israel (New Haven) Agudath Sholom (Stamford) Israel (Westport) B'nai Jacob (Woodbridge) Hebrew Congregation of Woodmont Delaware District of Columbia Adas Israel Bet Mishpachah DC Minyan Kesher Israel Machar Ohev Sholom Rosh Pina Sixth & I Temple Micah Washington Hebrew Florida Ahavath Chesed (Jacksonville) Bal Harbour (Surfside) Bet Shira (Miami) Edmond J. Safra (Miami) Beth Sholom (Miami Beach) Cuban Hebrew (Miami Beach) Emanu-El (Palm Beach) New (Palm Beach) Beth-El (Pensacola) Georgia Beth Jacob (Atlanta) Shearith Israel (Atlanta) Temple (Atlanta) B'nai Israel (Augusta) Beth Israel (Macon) B'nai Torah (Sandy Springs) Mickve Israel (Savannah) Hawaii Aloha Jewish Chapel (Pearl Harbor) Emanu-El (Honolulu) Idaho Ahavath Beth Israel (Boise) Illinois Chicagoland Anshe Emet Anshe Sholom B'nai Israel Beth Shalom Emanuel Congregation KAM Isaiah Israel Loop Synagogue Makom Solel Lakeside Mishkan North Shore Congregation Israel Beth El (Highland Park) Temple Sholom Sinai Tzedek Moses Montefiore (Bloomington) Jewish Community Center (Mattoon) Anshai Emeth (Peoria) Indiana Achduth Vesholom (Fort Wayne) Indianapolis Hebrew Iowa B'nai Israel (Council Bluffs) Beit Shalom (Davenport) United Orthodox (Sioux City) Kansas Beth Israel Abraham Voliner (Kansas City) B'nai Jehudah (Overland Park) Kentucky Adath Israel Brith Sholom (Louisville) Anshei Sfard (Louisville) Keneseth Israel (Louisville) Adath Israel (Owensboro) Temple Israel (Paducah) Louisiana B'nai Israel (Alexandria) Gemiluth Chassodim (Alexandria) Anshe Sfard (New Orleans) Beth Israel (New Orleans) Sinai (New Orleans) Touro (New Orleans) B'Nai Zion (Shreveport) Maine Beth Israel (Bangor) Etz Chaim (Portland) Shaarey Tphiloh (Portland) Maryland Baltimore B'nai Israel Hebrew Beth Am Shearith Israel Shomrei Emunah Tiferes Yisroel Naval Academy (Annapolis) Beth El (Bethesda) Bethesda Jewish Congregation Beth Shalom (Columbia) B'er Chayim (Cumberland) B'Nai Israel (Easton) Beth Sholom (Frederick) Kol Ami (Frederick) Emanuel (Kensington) Oseh Shalom (Laurel) Magen David Sephardic (North Bethesda) Ohev Sholom Talmud Torah (Olney) Beth El (Pikesville) Beth Tfiloh (Pikesville) Har Sinai – Oheb Shalom (Pikesville) Beth Sholom and Talmud Torah (Potomac) Beth Israel (Salisbury) Young Israel Shomrai Emunah (Silver Spring) B'nai Israel (Rockville) Massachusetts Temple Israel (Boston) Ohabei Shalom (Brookline) Kahal B'raira (Cambridge) Agudath Shalom (Chelsea) Beth Israel (Malden) Adams Street (Newton) Shaarei Tefillah (Newton) Beth Israel (North Adams) Beth Israel (Onset) Anshe Amunim (Pittsfield) Sinai Temple (Springfield) Ahavath Torah (Stoughton) Beth Israel (Worcester) Emanuel Sinai (Worcester) Michigan Beth El (Alpena) Beth Emeth (Ann Arbor) Beth Israel (Ann Arbor) Beth El (Detroit) Birmingham Temple (Detroit) Isaac Agree Downtown (Detroit) Temple Emanuel (Grand Rapids) Temple Jacob (Hancock) Beth Sholom (Marquette) Beth Israel (Jackson) Temple Israel (West Bloomfield) Minnesota Beth Jacob (Mendota Heights) Temple Israel (Minneapolis) Adath Jeshurun (Minnetonka) Beth El (St Louis Park) Mount Zion (St Paul) Or Emet (St Paul) Mississippi Adath Israel (Cleveland) Beth Israel (Jackson) Beth Israel (Meridian) B'nai Israel (Tupelo) Missouri United Hebrew (Chesterfield) B'nai Amoona (Creve Coeur) Shaare Emeth (Creve Coeur) Temple Israel (Creve Coeur) Beth El (Jefferson City) Montana Nebraska B'nai Jeshurun / South Street (Lincoln) Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey Beth Sholom (Cherry Hill) Kol Ami (Cherry Hill) Synagogue of Deal Beth Hillel (Deerville) Ahavath Torah (Englewood) Barnert (Franklin Lakes) Agudath Achim (Freehold) Etz Ahaim Sephardic (Highland Park) United Synagogue of Hoboken Beth-El (Jersey City) Adas Emuno (Leonia) B'Nai Abraham (Livingston) Shaari Emeth (Manalapan) Marlboro Jewish Center B'nai Israel (Millburn) Beth Hillel Beth Abraham (Millville) Morristown Jewish Center Beth Israel (Ridgewood) Rosenhayn Synagogue Oheb Shalom (South Orange) Beth El (Voorhees) New Mexico Albert (Albuquerque) B'nai Israel (Albuquerque) New York The Bronx Adath Israel Hebrew Institute Riverdale Center Riverdale Temple Brooklyn Magen David (Bensonhurst) Chevra Anshei Lubawitz (Borough Park) Shomrei Emunah (Borough Park) Young Israel Beth El (Borough Park) Kane Street/Baith Israel Anshei Emes (Cobble Hill) 770 (Crown Heights) CAY (Crown Heights) Kol Israel (Crown Heights) Beth El (Flatbush) Khal Hisachdus Yirieim Veretzky (Flatbush) Shaare Zion (Gravesend) Edmond J. Safra (Homecrest) Ocean Parkway (Kensington) Manhattan Beach Jewish Center B'nai Yosef (Mapleton) East Midwood (Midwood) Kingsway Center (Midwood) Sephardic Center (Mills Basin) Beth Elohim (Park Slope) Kolot Chayeinu (Park Slope) Park Slope (Park Slope) Beth Jacob Ohev Sholom (Williamsburg) Yetev Lev D'Satmar (Hooper St, Williamsburg) Yetev Lev D'Satmar (Rodney St, Williamsburg) Long Island Jewish Center (Atlantic Beach) Jewish Center (East Hampton) East Meadow Beth-El Jewish Center North Country Reform (Glen Cove) Beth-El (Great Neck) Tifereth Israel (Greenport) Jericho Jewish Center Emanu-El (Long Beach) RSNS (Plandome) Beth Israel (Port Washington) Adas Israel (Sag Harbor) Aish Kodesh (Woodmere) Manhattan Altneu Sixth Street (East Village) Meserich (East Village) Beth Israel (Garment District) Millinery Center (Garment District) Old Broadway (Harlem) Actor's Temple (Hells Kitchen) Fort Tryon (Hudson Heights) Lincoln Square (Lincoln Square) Bialystoker (Lower East Side) City Congregation for Humanistic Judaism (Lower East Side) Chasam Sopher (Lower E. Side) Eldridge Street (Lower E. Side) Kehila Kedosha Janina (Lower E. Side) Shul of New York (Lower E. Side) Stanton Street (Lower East) Talmud Torah Adereth El (Midtown East) Lab/Shul (Lower W. Side) Beit Simchat Torah (Midtown) Central Synagogue (Midtown) Sutton Place (Midtown) TriBeCa Synagogue (Tribeca) Temple Emanu-El (Upper E. Side) Fifth Avenue (Upper E. Side) Temple Israel (Upper E. Side) Kehilath Jeshurun (Upper E. Side) Or Zarua (Upper E. Side) Park Avenue (Upper E. Side) Park East (Upper E. Side) Edmond J. Safra (Upper E. Side) Shaaray Tefila (Upper E. Side) TUJ (Upper E. Side) Ansche Chesed (Upper W. Side) B'nai Jeshurun (Upper W. Side) Habonim (Upper W. Side) Jewish Center (Upper W. Side) Kol Zimrah (Upper W. Side) Ohab Zedek (Upper W. Side) Ramath Orah (Upper W. Side) Rodeph Sholom (Upper W. Side) Romemu (Upper W. Side) Shaare Zedek (Upper W. Side) Shearith Israel (Upper W. Side) SAJ (Upper W. Side) Stephen Wise (Upper W. Side) Hebrew Tabernacle of Washington Heights K'hal Adath Jeshurun (Washington Hts.) Mount Sinai (Washington Hts.) Queens Center of Israel (Astoria) Etz Hayim (Bayside) Tifereth Israel (Corona) Free Synagogue of Flushing Georgian Jews (Forest Hills) Queens Center (Forest Hills) Rego Park (Rego Park) Beth Emeth (Albany) Beth David (Amenia) Beth Zion (Buffalo) Beth El (Chappaqua) Beth Shalom (Clifton Park) B'nai Israel (Fleischmanns) Hunter (Hunter) Kerhonkson Synagogue (Kerhonkson) Loch Sheldrake Synagogue Agudas Achim (Livingston Manor) Hebrew Congregation (Mountaindale) Jewish Center (Norwich) Beth Israel (Plattsburgh) Kneses Tifereth Israel (Port Chester) B'rith Kodesh (Rochester) Beth Tzedek (Getzville) South Fallsburg Hebrew Association Emanu-El (Staten Island) Anshei Glen Wild (Sullivan Co.) Bikur Cholim B'nai Israel (Swan Lake) Society of Concord (Syracuse) Berith Sholom (Troy) Beth Joseph Synagogue (Tupper Lake) Spring Glen Synagogue (Wawarsing) Ulster Heights Synagogue (Wawarsing) West Point Jewish Chapel Temple Israel (White Plains) B'nai Israel (Woodbourne) Ohave Shalom (Woodridge) Lincoln Park (Yonkers) North Carolina Beth Israel (Asheville) Temple Israel (Charlotte) Temple Israel (Kinston) Emanuel (Statesville) Temple of Israel (Wilmington) North Dakota B'nai Israel (Grand Forks) Ohio Tifereth-Israel (Beachwood) Agudas Achim (Bexley) Golf Manor (Cincinnati) Rockdale (Cincinnati) Wise Temple (Cincinnati) Anshe Chesed Fairmount (Cleveland) Oheb Zedek Cedar Sinai (Cleveland) Park Synagogue (Cleveland) Silver Sanctuary (Cleveland) Temple Israel (Columbus) Temple Israel (Dayton) Beth Israel (Hamilton) B'nai Israel (Toledo) Oklahoma B'nai Israel (Oklahoma City) Temple Israel (Tulsa) Oregon Beth Israel (Eugene) Beth Israel (Portland) Havurah Shalom (Portland) Neveh Shalom (Portland) Shaarie Torah (Portland) Pennsylvania Philadelphia Beit Harambam Temple Beth Zion-Beth Israel B'nai Abraham Frank Memorial Germantown Jewish Centre Keneseth Israel Kesher Israel Mikveh Israel Rodeph Shalom Shivtei Yeshuron-Ezras Israel Society Hill South Philadelphia Shtiebel Vilna Congregation YPC Shari-Eli Beth Israel (Altoona) Beth Israel (Chester Co.) B'nai Shalom (Easton) Anshe Hesed (Erie) Beth Shalom (Elkins Park) Kesher Israel (Harrisburg) Ohev Sholom (Harrisburg) Beth Israel (Honesdale) Beth Israel (Lebanon) Beth Or (Maple Glen) Adath Israel (Merion) B'nai Jacob (Middletown) Har Zion Temple (Penn Valley) Rodef Shalom (Pittsburgh) Tree of Life – Or L'Simcha (Pittsburgh) Kesher Zion (Reading) Beth Israel (Washington) Main Line Reform Temple (Wynnewood) Beth Israel (York) Rhode Island Touro (Newport) Beth-El (Providence) Sons of Jacob (Providence) South Carolina Beth Israel (Beaufort) Beth Elohim (Charleston) House of Peace (Columbia) Beth Israel (Florence) Beth Elohim (Georgetown) Kol Ami (Fort Mill) Sinai (Sumter) Tennessee Adas Israel (Brownsville) Mizpah (Chattanooga) B'nai Israel (Jackson) Baron Hirsch (Memphis) Temple Israel (Memphis) Ohabai Sholom (Nashville) Sherith Israel (Nashville) Texas Agudas Achim (Austin) Beth Israel (Austin) Emanuel (Beaumont) B'nai Abraham (Brenham) Emanu-El (Dallas) Beth Jacob (Galveston) B'nai Israel (Galveston) Beth Israel (Houston) Beth Yeshurun (Houston) Sinai (Houston) Beth-El (San Antonio) Utah B'rith Sholem (Ogden) Kol Ami (Salt Lake City) Vermont Ohavi Zedek (Burlington) Old Ohavi Zedek (Burlington) Rutland Jewish Center Virginia Agudas Achim (Alexandria) Beth El (Alexandria) Beth Israel (Charlottesville) Rodef Shalom (McLean) Sinai (Newport News) Commodore Levy Chapel (Norfolk) Beth Ahabah (Richmond) Kol Emes (Richmond) Beth Israel (Roanoke) Adath Israel (Rutland) House of Israel (Staunton) Beth El (Winchester) Washington Beth Israel (Bellingham) Bikur Cholim Machzikay Hadath (Seattle) Ezra Bessaroth (Seattle) Kavana Cooperative (Seattle) Sephardic Bikur Holim (Seattle) De Hirsch Sinai (Seattle and Belleview) West Virginia Ohev Sholom (Huntington) Shalom (Wheeling) Wisconsin Beth El (Madison) Beth Israel Ner Tamid (Milwaukee) Emanu-El B'ne Jeshurun (River Hills) Wyoming Mt Sinai (Cheyenne) Territories Virgin Islands Oldest U.S. synagogues History Category People US places of worship

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Bet Shira Congregation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bet_Shira_Congregation) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bet_Shira_Congregation?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.