Originally formed by German Jewish immigrants in 1859 as an Orthodox congregation, Temple Beth Israel now follows the Reform tradition. The congregation has been in their current location since the synagogue was built in 1902.
“To Macon, founded in 1823, the earliest Jews came from Germany and France, escaping from the revolutions then sweeping Europe. At the home of Elias Einstein, on the corner of Pine and First streets, 28 men bound themselves to maintain and support a permanent congregation to be known as the House of Israel, Kahal Kodesh Beth Israel. The Minhag (ritual) would be German Orthodox, with lectures in English and German.” (Temple Beth Israel website)
“The year 1868 is an import one in temple history. It marks the real beginning of our religious school. A schoolroom was rented. Curriculum was multilingual with Hebrew, German and English.” (Temple Beth Israel website)
Rate us and Write a Review
Own or work here?
