Congregation Beth Israel (Austin, Texas) Explained

Building Name:Congregation Beth Israel
Image Upright:1.4
Map Type:Texas
Map Size:250
Map Relief:1
Location:3901 Shoal Creek Boulevard, Austin, Texas
Country:United States
Geo:30.3083°N -97.7473°W
Religious Affiliation:Reform Judaism
Status:Synagogue
Functional Status:Active
Established:1876
Year Completed:1967
Capacity:650 worshippers
Footnotes:[1]

Congregation Beth Israel is a Reform Jewish synagogue located at 3901 Shoal Creek Boulevard in Austin, Texas, in the United States. Organized in 1876 and chartered by the state of Texas in 1879, it is the oldest synagogue in Austin.[2]

A synagogue was completed in 1884, near the intersection of 11th and San Jacinto Streets, and the first rabbi appointed in 1886. Following post-World War II population growth in the region, a new synagogue, located on Shoal Creek Boulevard, was completed in 1967, accommodating 650 worshippers.[2]

The synagogue had 51 members in 1907 and was located at East 11th and Trinity. It had no rabbi at the time.[3]

The senior rabbi is Steven Folberg.[1]

Arson

See main article: Austin synagogue arson. On 31 October 2021, an arson attack damaged the synagogue's front doors and stained glass windows, causing more than $250,000 in damage. Franklin Sechriest admitted to conducting the attack out of his hatred for Jews and was sentenced on 29 November 2023 to ten years in federal prison.[4] [5]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Leadership & Staff . https://web.archive.org/web/20100307044020/http://www.bethisrael.org/welcome/leadership/ . 2010-03-07 . Congregation Beth Israel . January 13, 2010 .
  2. Web site: Our History . Congregation Beth Israel . n.d. . 1 November 2022.
  3. Web site: Directory of National Organizations . American Jewish Committee Yearbook 1907-1908. American Jewish Committee . 28 January 2013.
  4. News: Texas man pleads guilty to setting fire to Austin synagogue . 30 November 2023 . . 2023-04-07.
  5. News: Texas man who set fire to an Austin synagogue sentenced to 10 years . 30 November 2023 . . 2023-11-29.