Temple Beth Israel (Hebrew: בית ישראל) is a Reform Jewish synagogue located at 801 West Michigan Avenue in Jackson, Michigan, in the United States.[1] Formed in 1862 by Jews of German background, it grew out of the Hebrew Benevolent Society, which had been organized in 1858, and was the second Reform congregation in Michigan.[2]
After meeting in downtown Jackson in two different buildings, the congregation moved to its current site, on Michigan Avenue, that was dedicated in 1949 and remodelled following a fire in 1971. The congregation's cemetery is the oldest Jewish cemetery in continuous use and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in June 2009.[3][4]
Dr. Jonathan V. Plaut, the son of the late rabbi Dr. W. Gunther Plaut, joined as rabbi in 2000 and served the congregation until his death in 2012.[5] In September 2011 Rabbi S. Robert Morais became Beth Israel's rabbi.
References
- ^ "Homepage". Temple Beth Israel. n.d. Retrieved March 29, 2009.[self-published source?]
- ^ "Temple History". Temple Beth Israel. n.d. Retrieved August 29, 2009.[self-published source?]
- ^ Harr, Monetta (April 20, 2012). "Temple Beth Israel celebrating 150th anniversary with smaller but passionate congregration". Michigan Live. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
- ^ Demeter, Nancy Ford (March 3, 2009), NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES REGISTRATION FORM: Hebrew Cemetery
- ^ "Rabbi Jonathan V. Plaut, D.H.L., D.D." Temple Beth Israel. Retrieved August 29, 2009.[self-published source?]
