# Beth El Hebrew Congregation

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Reform synagogue in Alexandria, Virginia, US

For similarly named synagogues, see [Beth-El](/source/Beth-El_(disambiguation)).

Beth El Hebrew Congregation Religion Affiliation Reform Judaism Ecclesiastical or organizational status Synagogue Leadership Rabbi David Spinrad Rabbi Brett Isserow (Emeritus) Status Active Location Location Alexandria, Virginia Country United States Location within Virginia Coordinates 38°49′14″N 77°05′47″W / 38.82058°N 77.096268°W / 38.82058; -77.096268 Architecture Established 1859 (as a congregation) Groundbreaking 1956 Completed 1957 Website bethelhebrew.org [1][self-published source?]

**Beth El Hebrew Congregation** is a [Reform](/source/Reform_Judaism) [Jewish](/source/Jewish) [synagogue](/source/Synagogue) located in [Alexandria](/source/Alexandria%2C_Virginia), [Virginia](/source/Virginia), in the United States. Established on September 4, 1859, it is oldest active congregation in the [Northern Virginia](/source/Northern_Virginia) region.[2]

Beth El is an [egalitarian](/source/Egalitarianism#Judaism) synagogue providing [worship](/source/Judaism) in the Reform tradition and is a founding member of the [Union for Reform Judaism](/source/Union_for_Reform_Judaism). Beth El's aims to provide a safe, supportive environment that allows all individuals to continue their spiritual journeys through exploration, education, and participation. Beth El is dedicated to bringing wholeness and healing to members of the congregation and the community as a whole.[3][*[self-published source?](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Verifiability#Self-published_sources)*]

## Clergy and leadership

Beth El's clergy consists of [Rabbi](/source/Rabbi) David Spinrad and [Cantor](/source/Hazzan) Jason Kaufman.[1] Brett Isserow serves as Rabbi Emeritus.

Alan J. Cohn is the [president](/source/President_(corporation)) of the [board of directors](/source/Board_of_directors). Liz Bayer serves as [executive director](/source/Executive_director).[4]

## Religious programs and activities

Beth El holds religious services for [Shabbat](/source/Shabbat)[5] and [Jewish holidays](/source/Jewish_holidays).[6][*[self-published source?](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Verifiability#Self-published_sources)*]

The Beth El Early Childhood Learning Center offers a Jewish preschool program.[7][*[self-published source?](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Verifiability#Self-published_sources)*] Beth El's religious school offers a religious curriculum to students in kindergarten through tenth grade.[8][*[self-published source?](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Verifiability#Self-published_sources)*]

For adults, Beth El hosts religious study groups, [Torah](/source/Torah) study groups, and classes to learn [Hebrew](/source/Hebrew_Language).[9][*[self-published source?](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Verifiability#Self-published_sources)*]

Beth El's social action projects include conducting food drives,[10] collecting baby items for victims of [domestic violence](/source/Domestic_violence), supporting a social service safety net for those in need, and serving food to residents at a local shelter.[11][*[self-published source?](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Verifiability#Self-published_sources)*]

## History

### Early history

The congregation was established by approximately forty Jewish families living in Alexandria, Virginia, on September 4, 1859.[2] The congregation went by the name Beth El Hebrew Congregation or the alternative name of Hebrew Congregation of Alexandria.[2] For the [High Holy Days](/source/High_Holy_Days) of 1859, the congregation held separate services for those wishing to worship in the [Orthodox](/source/Orthodox_Judaism) tradition and those preferring a more [liberal](/source/Reform_Judaism) tradition.[2] The two groups decided to worship together beginning in the following year's High Holy Days.[2] Services were conducted in [Hebrew](/source/Hebrew_language) with accompaniment from a [choir](/source/Choir#In_worship_services) and an [organ](/source/Pump_organ).[2] Services were held either in a rented space in the [Young Men's Christian Association](/source/Young_Men's_Christian_Association) or in a congregant's home.[2]

By the 1860s, Beth El worshiped at a rented space in Stewart's Hall at the northeast [corner](https://www.google.com/maps/place/38%C2%B048'17.9%22N+77%C2%B002'40.1%22W/) of [King](/source/King_Street_(Alexandria%2C_Virginia)) and Pitt streets.[2] During this period, some of Beth El's services were led by ordained rabbis, while others were led by lay leaders.[2] By 1867, Beth El finally had a permanent rabbi, Dr. Leopold Lowensohn.[2]

### First synagogue

Beth El Hebrew Congregation historical marker on Washington Street, site of the congregation's first building.

Beth El held a [Purim](/source/Purim) ball on March 8, 1871, in order to raise funds to construct a synagogue building.[2] The next month, Beth El's leaders decided to build the synagogue on [land](https://www.google.com/maps/place/206+N+Washington+St,+Alexandria,+VA+22314/@38.8066148,-77.0490891,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x89b7b0f84f6c0b4f:0x217106e9a300f9d0!8m2!3d38.8066148!4d-77.0469004?hl=en) located on [Washington Street](/source/Virginia_State_Route_400), just north of Cameron Street.[2] Construction began on June 26, and the building was completed by August 1871.[2] Dedication and the first [Shabbat](/source/Shabbat) services were held on September 1, 1871.[2] The second floor served as the [sanctuary](/source/Sanctuary), while the first floor was used for social purposes and the religious school.[2] Three years later, Beth El purchased the land on which the synagogue was built from its owner, partially from funds raised from selling pews to twenty of its families.[2]

In 1873, Rabbi Lowensohn left Beth El, and he was replaced by Rabbi A.A. Bonnheim.[2] A year later, several members accused Bonnheim of unbecoming conduct.[2] After some deliberation, the majority of the membership gave a vote of confidence to the rabbi, and at least four families resigned in disgust and formed their own congregation.[2] The families rejoined Beth El two years later when Bonnheim left Beth El.[2]

Following Bonnheim's departure, Beth El did not have another rabbi who stayed with the congregation for more than two consecutive years for several decades.[2]

### First schism

In 1914, a group of Beth El's members who were new immigrants from [Eastern Europe](/source/Eastern_Europe) decided they preferred [Conservative Judaism](/source/Conservative_Judaism) to [Reform Judaism](/source/Reform_Judaism).[12][13] The group left Beth El and established [Agudas Achim Congregation](/source/Agudas_Achim_Congregation_(Alexandria%2C_Virginia)).[12] Despite the split, the two congregations remained on cordial terms.[14]

### 1930s and 1940s

Six days after [Kristallnacht](/source/Kristallnacht), Beth El's members convened in a special meeting.[2] Benedict Weil, Beth El's president, proposed that Beth El hire Rabbi Hugo B. Schiff of [Karlsruhe, Germany](/source/Karlsruhe%2C_Germany), as its permanent rabbi.[2] Schiff had been known in Northern Virginia for his work with Rabbi Ulrich Steuer of [Fredericksburg, Virginia](/source/Fredericksburg%2C_Virginia)'s reform congregation.[2] A graduate of the [Jewish Theological Seminary of Breslau](/source/Jewish_Theological_Seminary_of_Breslau) and [Erlangen University](/source/University_of_Erlangen-Nuremberg),[15] Schiff had been the spiritual leader of a congregation of 1,000 members in Germany and a member of the Great Synagogue Council of [Baden](/source/Republic_of_Baden).[16] Rabbi Schiff had been imprisoned at the [Dachau Concentration Camp](/source/Dachau_Concentration_Camp).[15] Because Schiff would enter the United States on a [religious visa](/source/Visa_policy_of_the_United_States#R_visa), the visa would be relatively simple to obtain, and otherwise restrictive visa quotas would not apply.[2]

Beth El's members enthusiastically approved the proposal.[2] Schiff came to Beth El as its rabbi on April 18, 1939, bringing with him a [Torah](/source/Torah) that had been rescued from Karlsruhe's destroyed synagogue.[2] Virtually all Jewish residents of Karlsruhe who remained in the city were murdered in the [Holocaust](/source/Holocaust).[17]

Schiff expanded Shabbat services, reintroduced [Bar Mitzvah](/source/Bar_Mitzvah) and [Confirmation](/source/Confirmation) ceremonies, hosted congregational [Passover seders](/source/Passover_seder), organized an adult study group,[2] and held lectures about the history of Jewish people.[18] The interior and exterior of the synagogue were refurbished.[2] Under Schiff's leadership, Beth El's membership quadrupled within nine years.[2]

In 1941, Schiff became rabbi of the Arlington–Fairfax Jewish Center (since renamed Etz Hayim) on a part-time basis, which Beth El approved.[2] Schiff also served as the rabbi of the [Washington Hebrew Congregation](/source/Washington_Hebrew_Congregation) during the summer months.[2] Schiff became a professor of religion at [Howard University](/source/Howard_University) in 1945.[19]

Schiff resigned from Beth El on July 1, 1948, in order to become a full-time assistant rabbi at Washington Hebrew Congregation.[2][20]

### Rabbi Helfgott

C. Melvyn Helfgott, a newly ordained rabbi from Hebrew Union College, became Beth El's religious leader in 1949.[2]

Instead of a conventional sermon during Shabbat services, Rabbi Helfgott moderated a series of adult discussions on Judaism.[2] Shabbat morning services became more family-oriented.[2] A youth group was formed.[2] An adult-discussion group convened each Sunday morning.[2] Helfgott formed a Jewish study group for young married adults.[2]

Helfgott led Beth El until May 1953.[2] Rabbi Emmet A. Frank became Beth El's spiritual leader in April 1954.[21] A graduate of the [University of Houston](/source/University_of_Houston) and [Hebrew Union College, Cincinnati](/source/Hebrew_Union_College-Jewish_Institute_of_Religion), Frank had served as assistant rabbi for a congregation in [Houston](/source/Houston) before joining Beth El.[21]

### New facility

Because Beth El's membership quadrupled in size during the 1950s, the congregation began to consider moving to a larger location.[2] By 1952, Beth El held additional High Holy Day services at a nearby church, and Beth El did the same for Shabbat services by 1955.[2] By 1955, Beth El held an additional Shabbat service at a nearby Baptist church.[2] The religious school's enrollment had also increased similarly, and Beth El had begun to rent space at local school buildings.[2]

In 1955, Beth El purchased a wooded 5.5-acre (22,000 m2) piece of land on [Seminary Road](/source/Virginia_State_Route_420) for $42,500.[2] Beth El sold its synagogue for $25,000.[2]

Plans for the new synagogue included a 440-seat sanctuary, a social hall large enough for 460 people, and 22 classrooms for the religious school.[22] A fundraising campaign paid for some of the costs, and a mortgage paid for the remainder.[2] Groundbreaking began on May 26, 1956.[2] and the cornerstone was laid on February 10, 1957.[23] The building was formally dedicated on September 13, 1957.[22]

### Advocacy of school desegregation

In 1954, the [United States Supreme Court](/source/United_States_Supreme_Court) held in the case of [Brown v. Board of Education](/source/Brown_v._Board_of_Education) that laws requiring students to attend different [public schools](/source/Public_school_(government_funded)) [based on their race](/source/Segregation_in_the_United_States) is unconstitutional because separate facilities are inherently unequal.[24] In response [Senator](/source/United_States_Senate) [Harry F. Byrd Sr.](/source/Harry_F._Byrd_Sr.) organized the [Massive Resistance movement](/source/Massive_resistance) to close public schools rather than desegregate them.[25]

In 1958, Rabbi Frank criticized Byrd's massive resistance movement in his sermon during [Kol Nidre](/source/Kol_Nidre) services.[26]

Segregationists in Virginia were quick to denounce Frank's sermon.[2] Newspapers in [southern Virginia](/source/Southern_Virginia), [Washington](/source/Washington%2C_D.C.),[2] and [New York](/source/New_York_City) criticized the sermon,[2] and Frank received multiple threatening phone calls.[27] while many rabbis and Christian churches in [Metropolitan Washington](/source/Metropolitan_Washington) supported Frank.[26]

A few weeks later, Frank was invited to speak about Judaism at Arlington Unitarian Church.[28] Due to a bomb threat; the church was evacuated and the speech was canceled.[29]

Frank said he would return to speak at the church the following Sunday because "I have a lot to say and I don't run that easy."[27] Frank said the bomb threat was the work "of a group of cowards who are afraid to come out into the daylight."[27] People from around the country mailed letters to Beth El in support of Rabbi Frank.[2]

At Frank's next sermon, he said that a "Jew who remains silent in the face of prejudice leveled at another group of God's children is traitorous to the basic principle of Judaism."[30] Referring to the people who violently supported segregation, he pointed to the Jewish concept of repentance and forgiveness, saying, "no man should be so merciless that he will not forgive even the most sordid actions of men."[30]

Frank returned to speak at the church the next Sunday.[31] In the audience was [George Lincoln Rockwell](/source/George_Lincoln_Rockwell), a [neo-Nazi](/source/Neo-Nazi) leader.[31] On the church's lawn before his speech, Frank introduced himself to Rockwell and welcomed him to hear his speech.[31] When Rockwell proposed that he meet with Frank later to clear up some misunderstandings, Frank agreed to do so.[31]

### Centennial

Beth El marked its [centennial](/source/Centennial) with a three-day celebration in March 1960.[32]

### Second schism

On January 11, 1962, the Jewish Community Council stated it opposed public schools having celebrations of religious holidays such as Christmas. In response, Frank wrote a [letter to the editor](/source/Letter_to_the_editor) of *[The Washington Post](/source/The_Washington_Post)* saying there was nothing wrong with a public school having a celebration of Christmas together with a celebration of Hanukkah.[33] Frank wrote that such religious holiday celebrations were a way to teach children to respect others' religion.[33][a]

Many of Beth El's congregants were unhappy with Frank's letter.[2] Opposition to the rabbi and lay leadership at Beth El resulted in 43 families leaving and forming in new congregation, [Temple Rodef Shalom](/source/Temple_Rodef_Shalom_(Falls_Church%2C_Virginia)) in [Falls Church](/source/Falls_Church%2C_Virginia) in 1962.[2][36]

Frank left Beth El in 1969 after accepting a position at [Temple De Hirsch](/source/Temple_De_Hirsch), a Reform congregation in [Seattle](/source/Seattle).[37] Frank said he was proud of always speaking from his heart about what he believed to be true.[37] He was replaced by Rabbi Arnold G. Fink, an 11th-generation rabbi who graduated from Princeton University and Hebrew Union College.

### Expansion

By the mid-1960s, Beth El's synagogue was no longer large enough, particularly for its religious school, which had become overcrowded.[2] A committee's proposal to expand the synagogue building included a larger social hall, additional classrooms, and a room for youth groups.[2] The expansion plan was approved in 1967.[2]

Beth El's membership continued to grow through the early 1980s.[2] With more of its families consisting of two parents with full-time careers and raising a family, fewer members were available to volunteer, and Beth El began to hiring employees to do the work that volunteers had always done.[2]

Due to the growing number of congregants, Beth El's rabbi, Rabbi Arnold G. Fink, found he was stretched too thin.[2] Rabbi Amy Perlin became Beth El's first Assistant Rabbi in the summer of 1982.[2]

After 33 years of service, Rabbi Fink retired in 2002, becoming [rabbi emeritus](/source/Emeritus). The Beth El Learning Center was named in his honor.[38] Rabbi Brett R. Isserow was named Beth El's senior rabbi.[39] A native of [Johannesburg](/source/Johannesburg), Rabbi Isserow studied at the [University of Witwatersrand](/source/University_of_Witwatersrand) and [Hebrew Union College](/source/Hebrew_Union_College)'s Jewish Institute of Religion in [Cincinnati](/source/Cincinnati).[39] He came to Beth El after serving as associate rabbi at [Hebrew Benevolent Congregation](/source/The_Temple_(Atlanta)) in [Atlanta](/source/Atlanta).[39]

In 2017, Isserow announced his retirement, and Rabbi David Spinrad was selected as his replacement,[40] while Isserow would remain on in the role of rabbi emeritus. Spinrad also served at Hebrew Benevolent Congregation in Atlanta before beginning his tenure at Beth El in July 2018.

## Notes

1. **[^](#cite_ref-36)** On June 25, 1962, in the case of [Engel v. Vitale](/source/Engel_v._Vitale), the [United States Supreme Court](/source/United_States_Supreme_Court) ruled that it is unconstitutional for state officials to compose an official school prayer and encourage its recitation in public schools.[34] On June 17, 1962, in the case of [Abington School District v. Schempp](/source/Abington_School_District_v._Schempp), the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that school-sponsored reading of Biblical verses in public schools is unconstitutional.[35]

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-clergy_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-clergy_1-1) ["Clergy"](https://www.bethelhebrew.org/about-us/clergy). *Beth El Hebrew Congregation*. Retrieved October 7, 2016.[*[self-published source?](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Verifiability#Self-published_sources)*]

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-history_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-history_2-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-history_2-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-history_2-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-history_2-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-history_2-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-history_2-6) [***h***](#cite_ref-history_2-7) [***i***](#cite_ref-history_2-8) [***j***](#cite_ref-history_2-9) [***k***](#cite_ref-history_2-10) [***l***](#cite_ref-history_2-11) [***m***](#cite_ref-history_2-12) [***n***](#cite_ref-history_2-13) [***o***](#cite_ref-history_2-14) [***p***](#cite_ref-history_2-15) [***q***](#cite_ref-history_2-16) [***r***](#cite_ref-history_2-17) [***s***](#cite_ref-history_2-18) [***t***](#cite_ref-history_2-19) [***u***](#cite_ref-history_2-20) [***v***](#cite_ref-history_2-21) [***w***](#cite_ref-history_2-22) [***x***](#cite_ref-history_2-23) [***y***](#cite_ref-history_2-24) [***z***](#cite_ref-history_2-25) [***aa***](#cite_ref-history_2-26) [***ab***](#cite_ref-history_2-27) [***ac***](#cite_ref-history_2-28) [***ad***](#cite_ref-history_2-29) [***ae***](#cite_ref-history_2-30) [***af***](#cite_ref-history_2-31) [***ag***](#cite_ref-history_2-32) [***ah***](#cite_ref-history_2-33) [***ai***](#cite_ref-history_2-34) [***aj***](#cite_ref-history_2-35) [***ak***](#cite_ref-history_2-36) [***al***](#cite_ref-history_2-37) [***am***](#cite_ref-history_2-38) [***an***](#cite_ref-history_2-39) [***ao***](#cite_ref-history_2-40) [***ap***](#cite_ref-history_2-41) [***aq***](#cite_ref-history_2-42) [***ar***](#cite_ref-history_2-43) [***as***](#cite_ref-history_2-44) [***at***](#cite_ref-history_2-45) [***au***](#cite_ref-history_2-46) [***av***](#cite_ref-history_2-47) [***aw***](#cite_ref-history_2-48) [***ax***](#cite_ref-history_2-49) [***ay***](#cite_ref-history_2-50) [***az***](#cite_ref-history_2-51) [***ba***](#cite_ref-history_2-52) [***bb***](#cite_ref-history_2-53) [***bc***](#cite_ref-history_2-54) [***bd***](#cite_ref-history_2-55) [***be***](#cite_ref-history_2-56) [***bf***](#cite_ref-history_2-57) [***bg***](#cite_ref-history_2-58) [***bh***](#cite_ref-history_2-59) [***bi***](#cite_ref-history_2-60) Silver, Louis, ed. (1984). ["Beth El Hebrew Congregation 1859–1984"](https://www.bethelhebrew.org/sites/default/files/uploaded_files/about/beth_el_hebrew_congregation_1859_to_1984.pdf) (PDF). *Beth El Hebrew Congregation'*.[*[permanent dead link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Link_rot)*]

1. **[^](#cite_ref-vision_3-0)** "[Our Vision and Values](https://www.bethelhebrew.org/about-us/vision-values)". *Beth El Hebrew Congregation*. Retrieved October 7, 2016. [*[self-published source?](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Verifiability#Self-published_sources)*]

1. **[^](#cite_ref-leadership_4-0)** "[Leadership](https://www.bethelhebrew.org/about-us/leadership)". *Beth El Hebrew Congregation*. Retrieved October 7, 2016. [*[self-published source?](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Verifiability#Self-published_sources)*]

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** "[Shabbat](https://www.bethelhebrew.org/worship/shabbat)". *Beth El Hebrew Congregation*. Retrieved October 9, 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** "[Holidays](https://www.bethelhebrew.org/worship/holidays) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20161010064850/https://www.bethelhebrew.org/worship/holidays) 2016-10-10 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine)". *Beth El Hebrew Congregation*. Retrieved October 9, 2016. [*[self-published source?](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Verifiability#Self-published_sources)*]

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** [Beth El Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC)](https://www.bethelhebrew.org/learning/preschool)". *Beth El Hebrew Congregation*. Retrieved October 9, 2016. [*[self-published source?](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Verifiability#Self-published_sources)*]

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** "[Religious School](https://www.bethelhebrew.org/learning/religious-school)". *Beth El Hebrew Congregation*. Retrieved October 9, 2016. [*[self-published source?](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Verifiability#Self-published_sources)*]

1. **[^](#cite_ref-adult_9-0)** "[Adult Education Classes](https://www.bethelhebrew.org/learning/adult-education)". *Beth El Hebrew Congregation*. Retrieved October 9, 2016. [*[self-published source?](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Verifiability#Self-published_sources)*]

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** Martin, Montie. "[Alive! Distributes Food to Needy: Volunteers work to ensure holiday meals](http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb?p_product=AWNB&p_theme=aggregated5&p_action=doc&p_docid=13BC8E3CFAF840A0&p_docnum=169&p_queryname=8)". *The Alexandria Gazette Packet*. December 20, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-socialaction_11-0)** "[Social Action](https://www.bethelhebrew.org/community/social-action) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20161010064756/https://www.bethelhebrew.org/community/social-action) 2016-10-10 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine)". *Beth El Hebrew Congregation*. Retrieved October 9, 2016. [*[self-published source?](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Verifiability#Self-published_sources)*]

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-google1_12-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-google1_12-1) "[Congressional Record](https://books.google.com/books?id=IxQjiH6EeOIC&pg=PA18867)". *Government Printing Office*. September 21, 2004.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-connect_13-0)** "[Connect: Eileh HaDevarim](http://www.agudasachim-va.org/images/pdf/EilehHaDevarimBrochure.pdf)[*[permanent dead link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Link_rot)*]". *Agudas Achim Congregation*. Retrieved June 26, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** Kredo, Adam. "[The big 1-5-0](https://www.proquest.com/docview/220891809/)". *Washington Jewish Week*. April 23, 2009. p. 1, 22.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-moderator_15-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-moderator_15-1) "[Rabbi Schiff to Be Moderator Of War Meeting in Alexandria](https://www.proquest.com/docview/151731938/)". *The Washington Post*. June 20, 1944. p. 4.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-refugee-rabbi_16-0)** "[Hadassah to Hear Refugee Rabbi](https://www.proquest.com/docview/151308915/)". *The Washington Post*. September 16, 1940. P. 8.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** "[Gedenkbuch für die Karlsruher Juden](http://www.karlsruhe.de/b1/stadtgeschichte/gedenkbuch.de)" (German). *City of Karlsruhe*. December 20, 2006. Retrieved April 7, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** "[Alexandria Rabbi To Lecture on History](https://www.proquest.com/docview/151132214/)". *The Washington Post*. October 18, 1939. p. 17.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** "[Rabbi At Howard U.](https://www.proquest.com/docview/492729432/)" *The Chicago Defender*. October 27, 1945. p. 6.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** "[Dr. H.B. Schiff To Be Installed As Assistant Rabbi](https://www.proquest.com/docview/152052177/)". *The Washington Post*. October 22, 1948. p. 23.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-takespost_21-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-takespost_21-1) "[Rabbi Frank Takes Post In Virginia](https://www.proquest.com/docview/148559164/)". *The Washington Post*. April 22, 1954. p. 24.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-dedications_22-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-dedications_22-1) "[2 Synagogue Dedications Set](https://www.proquest.com/docview/148903140/)". *The Washington Post*. September 13, 1957. p. D2.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** "[Cornerstone to Be Laid By Beth El Congregation](https://www.proquest.com/docview/148950479/)". *The Washington Post*. February 8, 1957. p. D8.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** Huston, Luther A. (May 18, 1954). ["High Court Bans School Segregation; 9-to-0 Decision Grants Time to Comply"](https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/learning/general/onthisday/big/0517.html). *The New York Times*. Retrieved August 28, 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** "[Brown v. Board of Education: Virginia Responds](https://www.lva.virginia.gov/exhibits/brown/resistance.htm)". *State Library of Virginia*. 2003.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-defend_26-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-defend_26-1) "[Protestants Defend Rabbi in Race Issue: Virginia Ministers Insist On His Right To Speak Out](https://www.proquest.com/docview/533560039/)". *The Baltimore Sun*. October 4, 1958. p. 5.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-scare_27-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-scare_27-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-scare_27-2) "[Va. Church Bomb Scare Under Probe](https://www.proquest.com/docview/493701995/)". *United Press International*. Daily Defender (Chicago, Illinois). October 21, 1958. p. A5.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-28)** "[Area Church Emptied by Bomb Threat: Unitarians Forced To Cancel Rabbi's Arlington Sermon Bomb Scare Postpones Rabbi's Arlington Talk](https://www.proquest.com/docview/149045978/)". *The Washington Post*. October 20, 1958. p. A1.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-bombthreat_29-0)** "[420 Persons Flee Church: Bomb Feared: Rabbi Was To Speak At Unitarian Service In Arlington. Va](https://www.proquest.com/docview/541020626/)". *The Baltimore Sun*. October 20, 1958. p. 6.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-blackmail_30-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-blackmail_30-1) "[Rabbi Frank Defies 'Religious Blackmail'](https://www.proquest.com/docview/149010348/)". *The Washington Post*. October 25, 1958. p. D3.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-postponed_31-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-postponed_31-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-postponed_31-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-postponed_31-3) "[Rabbi Gives Sermon Postponed by Threat](https://www.proquest.com/docview/149041668/)". *The Washington Post*. October 27, 1958. p. B1.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3day_32-0)** "[Temple Beth El Starts 3-Day Centennial Celebration Tonight](https://www.proquest.com/docview/141171856/)". *The Washington Post*. March 4, 1960. p. A9.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-loe_33-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-loe_33-1) Frank, Rabbi Emmet A. "[...With Love](https://www.proquest.com/docview/141782987/)" ([letter to the editor](/source/Letter_to_the_editor)). *The Washington Post*. January 26, 1962. p. A16.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-34)** "[Highlight Of U.S. Supreme Court's Decision During 1961-62 Term Is 'All State Segregation Laws' Out](https://www.proquest.com/docview/370623311/)". *Tri-State Defender* (Memphis, Tennessee). October 13, 1962. p. 1.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-35)** "[Summary of Supreme Court's Actions](https://www.proquest.com/docview/116416732/)". *The New York Times*. June 18, 1963. p. 27.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-37)** "[Reform Jewish Temple Formed In Falls Church](https://www.proquest.com/docview/141494674/)". *The Washington Post*. July 28, 1962. p. C9.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-speaking_38-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-speaking_38-1) "[Departing Rabbi Champions 'Speaking Out'](https://www.proquest.com/docview/147637227/)". *The Washington Post*. June 28, 1969. p. B8.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-singing_39-0)** Pope, Michael Lee. "[The Singing Rabbi – Arnold Fink, 69, leaves lasting legacy in Alexandria's Jewish community](http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb?p_product=AWNB&p_theme=aggregated5&p_action=doc&p_docid=11C826159CB95908&p_docnum=31&p_queryname=8)". *The Alexandria Gazette Packet*. April 7, 2005.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-tablets_40-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-tablets_40-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-tablets_40-2) "[Torah tablets mark historic synagogue](http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb?p_product=AWNB&p_theme=aggregated5&p_action=doc&p_docid=0F9FD5D6F9491D63&p_docnum=46&p_queryname=11)". *The Washington Times*. March 24, 200. p. A2.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-41)** Foretek, Jared. ["Reporter"](http://washingtonjewishweek.com/43757/beth-el-hebrew-names-new-rabbi/news/local-news/). *Washington Jewish Week*. Mid-Atlantic Media. Retrieved June 20, 2018.

## External links

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

- [Beth El Hebrew Congregation](https://www.facebook.com/BethElHebrew) on [Facebook](/source/Facebook_(identifier))

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

Authority control databases International VIAF National United States Israel Other SNAC

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Beth El Hebrew Congregation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beth_El_Hebrew_Congregation) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beth_El_Hebrew_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.