Beth El Congregation in Scott Township is in the midst of a year-long celebration recognizing its 100th anniversary . Originally founded on July 1 , 1917 , by Rebecca Ruderman , congregants gathered at several sites in Beechview for nearly 10 years before the first synagogue was built in 1927 . In 1962 , the congregation built a new synagogue to accommodate the growing membership at 1900 Cochran Road .
“ We love our location , nestled in the hills alongside a peaceful creek behind Cochran Road ,” says Deb Scheimer , a past president and volunteer co-chair of this year ’ s celebration of festivities .
Beth El is a modern , conservative congregation that strives to meet the needs of members in a manner consistent with conservative ideals . It is committed to providing an engaging Jewish experience for all ages and abilities through prayer , education and a wide variety of activities .
“ We are proud to offer education and prayer rooted in tradition as well as modern times , while still utilizing the Hebrew language to pray during our services ,” says Scheimer . “ It really is a place for everyone .”
Keeping these ideals and philosophies in mind is the core of Beth El ’ s mission for the centennial celebration .
“ There are so many people to thank and recognize ,” explains Scheimer . “ To try to fit it all into a one-night event would not have given anyone their due . So , we formed committees to spotlight the many people and groups , past and present , who ’ ve contributed to our long and cherished history .”
The year-long celebration began in April with a tribute to rabbis Alex and Amy Greenbaum , who are celebrating 15 years of service .
“ We are so lucky to have the Greenbaums lead us in our worship and religious education ,” says Scheimer . “ They are completely immersed in our congregation and we all benefit from their insights .”
“ We are proud to offer education and prayer that ’ s rooted in tradition as well as modern times while still utilizing the Hebrew language to pray during our services . It really is a place for everyone .”
In addition to the kick-off event , Beth El is holding celebrations for the teachers and religious school directors , men ’ s club and Sisterhood .
“ Since our congregation was started by a woman , we felt it was especially meaningful to honor the past presidents of the Sisterhood , which was originally called the Jewish Mothers ’ Club of Beechview ,” notes Scheimer . “ A Sisterhood Centennial Shabbat took place recently and it was wonderful to honor the past presidents who could attend . It included a Torahpassing ceremony that was beautiful .”
Festivities for Beth El Congregation will conclude in April , 2018 , with the “ Party of the Century .”
“ We have been working hard to collect historical artifacts , proclamations from dignitaries , old photographs and stories to begin developing our own history book ,” says Scheimer . “ We ’ re also designing a centennial garden where members can purchase a paver and have it engraved .”
In addition , the original parchment charter of the congregation can now be seen in a new display case recently donated by the wife and children of past president Howard ( Buddy ) Minsky in his memory . As it turns out , past president Nathan Tabor was in possession of the time capsule from the original Beth El synagogue in Beechview , which is now the location of the Beechview Carnegie Library .
“ Nate saved the time capsule for many years before giving it to our executive director , Steve Hecht ,” explains Scheimer . “ It was no bigger than an index card box and held the names of the original members of our congregation , recorded in the most beautiful handwriting . There were also some old coins and other artifacts inside that we can display for everyone to see .”
Preserving Beth El ’ s history and celebrating those who helped build the congregation of more than 420 families isn ’ t something Scheimer and her co-chairs take lightly .
“ Our synagogue is a vital community of people who make things happen ,” she says . “ We take pride in our children and have a very active congregation . It ’ s a community I personally am so proud to be a part of , and we all realize we wouldn ’ t be here today without everyone who came before us .”
To learn more about Beth El Congregation and the year-long centennial celebration , visit bethelcong . org . n
Beth El in Beechview , circa 1945
Beth El Groundbreaking , 1977 Neuman Family
Beth El Groundbreaking Ceremony , 1962
Photo Credits : Beth El Congregation of the South Hills
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