History
An integral part of the Baltimore community for the last 67 years, Beth Israel has become one of the area’s most dynamic and well-respected Conservative congregations. We honor our founders’ wish to create a warm, welcoming community which fully embraces Jewish tradition as well as innovation.
In 1956, just 10 families met to share their dream of forming a new synagogue. Our first home was a cottage on 10 acres of land in Randallstown. In 1957, our congregation became affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. We grew rapidly through the next few decades, as many in our community called Beth Israel their spiritual home.
In 1994, Beth Israel began a new chapter in its history. We moved to a new home on Mitzvah Lane in Owings Mills. Today, we still occupy the Macks Fidler Synagogue Center on the Ted Schweitzer Campus.
Launched in January 2020 and conducted in conjunction with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, Beth Israel’s Strategic Planning Process ensured that the congregation will be well-positioned to grow and thrive moving forward, not only to meet the needs of our current members, but to attract new members as well. Based on analysis and integration of quantitative Beth Israel Fact Book data, Board and Congregational Survey responses, and Community Conversation input, Strategic Planning Task Forces addressed the following seven areas:
- Financial Stability
- Schools and Youth Programming
- Membership/Engagement
- Facility Usage
- Social Programming
- Social Action/Community Involvement
- Marketing & Communications
As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, Beth Israel adapted its educational programming, religious services and Community Learning Lab (Religious School) to meet evolving health and safety needs. New technology allows virtually all of our adult educational programming to be accessible to those both in the building and at home.
The year 2022 marked a year of transition for Beth Israel, as Rabbi Jay R. Goldstein retired after 26 years on the pulpit and became the congregation's Rabbi Emeritus. Cantor Benjamin Matis came to Beth Israel in July 2022.
In the spring of 2023, Beth Israel made a public commitment to stay in its facility in Owings Mills and invest in building improvements. In the summer of 2023, Beth Israel welcomed Rabbi Rachel Safman as its next senior rabbi. She joined Cantor Benjamin Matis on the bema to create lively and engaging religious services appropriate for all ages.
With a growing and revitalized Community Learning Lab and exciting multigenerational programming on the 2023-24 calendar, Beth Israel's future is bright. Be a part of our story!
