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][self-published source?]
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][self-published source?]
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][self-published source?]
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]
References
- ^ a b "Leadership & Staff". Congregation Beth Israel. Archived from the original on March 7, 2010. Retrieved January 13, 2010.[self-published source?]
- ^ a b "Our History". Congregation Beth Israel. n.d. Retrieved November 1, 2022.[self-published source?]
- ^ "Directory of National Organizations" (PDF). American Jewish Committee Yearbook 1907-1908. American Jewish Committee. Retrieved January 28, 2013.
- ^ "Texas man pleads guilty to setting fire to Austin synagogue". Associated Press. April 7, 2023. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
- ^ "Texas man who set fire to an Austin synagogue sentenced to 10 years". Associated Press. November 29, 2023. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
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