Beth Israel's First 100 Years

When Barbara Simon passed away, her daughter, Rachel Simon, a long-time friend of mine, gave me a book that her parents had owned, The Centenary History. Usually, when I provide a link, the link is to a spot on the internet where readers can learn more about the book. This link, though, takes readers to the book!

I am almost embarrassed to admit that I just read this book! Barbara was buried over two years ago, and it has been sitting on my desk for almost that long.

The book is wonderful in my view. I grew up at Beth Israel, which is located now at 5600 N. Braeswood in Meyerland. I had my Bar Mitzvah there, was confirmed there, had my wedding there , had both of my babies named there and served on its Board as a Trustee for several years. My father was one too, and my grandfather and his brother were very involved there too.

The current congregation is the only one that I remember. When I was 2, it moved there. I always knew that there was a predecessor, but I didn't know the details. Well, now I do!

This book, based on the board meeting minutes with input from several people. It is broken into four parts: Early History (1854-1870), The Franklin Avenue Temple (1870-1908), The "Romanesque" Temple (1908-1925) and The Great Expansion (1925-1954). Kudos to author, Anne Cohen, and all of the people who helped tell about the first 100 years of the oldest congregation in Texas.

Even older than the temple, which was originally known as The Hebrew Congregation Beth Israel, is its cemetery, which opened in 1844. Unlike the cemetery, which remains today (though there is a new one too), Beth Israel has been now in 5 different sanctuaries. The first four were in downtown.

The book details the history of two key rabbis, Henry Barnston and Hyman Judah Schachtel,who was still the Rabbi in the 1970s). It also shares details of a very famous Rabbi, Henry Cohen, who provided assistance to Beth Israel.

The book is full of information from the past. It discusses the struggles of the temple and describes its growth. CBI became a Reform congregation in 1898, 44 years after it launched.

For those who care about Jewish institutions and their challenges and growth, this is a great book. Readers can learn more about the early days. In 29 years, it will be the bicentennial of Beth Israel!