History of Beth El
In 1947 a small group of laymen, all leaders of Beth Tfiloh Congregation, did not want to leave their synagogue. They wanted to modify its style, primarily the principle of separate seating by gender during worship services and an expansion in bat mitzvah rituals. They assumed that, since their rabbi studied at the Jewish Theological Seminary, the bastion of Conservative Judaism, they would be able to move the Congregation in their direction. These hopes were not destined to be fulfilled. Therefore, the leaders determined to create Beth El, a new Congregation whose ideology would provide a basis from which to create the kind of synagogue they envisioned.
To achieve these goals the founders were guided buy two principles. First, they determined to create shared ideaological understanding and consensus as to their mission. In that pursuit, they brought to Baltimore a series of distinguished leaders of the Conservative Movement who helped educate them as to Conservatism's message and ideology. Rabbi Artz, Solomon Goldman, Israel Kazis and Solomon Grayzel addressed the new synagogue's leaders on such issues as Conservative view of Mitzvah and Jewish law, the evolving role of women, and modern views of worship. Second, they were determined not to do anything to harm Beth Tfiloh after they joined Beth El, and all of them fulfilled charitable pledges previously made to Beth Tfiloh.
The founders of Beth El laid the foundations for a synagogue whose message they envisioned would take root in the lives of their children. The founders hoped to preserve traditional Jewish values and life while confronting the challenges of modernity. They could not have imagined that the work of their hearts and hands would generate a loyalty from literally thousands of families.
Rabbi Jacob B. Agus was elected to be the congregation’s first rabbi on February 3, 1950 and assumed his duties in June. Read more...
Cantor Saul Z. Hammerman (right) assumed the position of cantor in the fall of 1952, the same year that the decision was made, because of demographic changes in the Baltimore Jewish Community, to choose a different site for the future Sanctuary. Read more...
Rabbi Mark G. Loeb joined beth El in 1976, and became senior rabbi in 1980. Read more...
Purchase of the 22 acre Barton Place was made in 1958. Sigmund Braverman, of Cleveland, Ohio, was the architect, designing a 1432 seat sanctuary, 1000 seat auditorium and 600 student school facility noted for its simple grace and functional beauty. The stained glass windows of the sanctuary and the Tree of Life mural are the work of famed New York artist, Raymond A. Katz.
Established in its magnificent new home and superbly led by a succession of able presidents, Beth El began a period of phenomenal growth. An "open policy" which made the school, religious services, cultural programs and auxiliary organizations available to the entire community attracted hundreds of families to affiliate.
These policies, ideals and theologies are still carried out by today's members, staff and clergy.