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]
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]