History
Oregon's Oldest Congregation
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Congregation Beth Israel was founded in 1858, when Oregon was still part of the Oregon Territory. It was the first congregation west of the Rockies and north of California.
The then new Congregation held religious services in Burke's Hall, which was located above a livery stable located on First Avenue.
First Avenue
The first Synagogue, located on SW Fifth and Oak streets, was built in 1859.
Our First Synagogue
Having outgrown the building, the Congregation erected its second, larger synagogue in 1889 nearby on SW 12th and Main Streets.
In 1923 this Synagogue was destroyed by fire.
Our Second Home |
CBI's Present Sanctuary Interior. |
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Our home for 83 years
The present Temple, completed in 1928, is considered one of the finest examples of Byzantine architecture in the Northwest and is designated on the National Register of Historic Places.
To meet the growing needs of the Congregation, the Sherman Education Center, opposite the Temple was built in 1948 and then expanded in 1994. Blumauer Auditorium, Miller Room, Shemanski Chapel, our Preschool and Religious School offices, classrooms and Women of Reform Judaism/Beth Israel Sisterhood Judaica Gift Shop. Harris Hall was acquired in 1957 to expand our Religious School.
In 1993, the Schnitzer Family Center was dedicated. This newest facility houses the beautifully designed contemporary Pollin Chapel, Lipman Foyer, Goodman Hall, Robert P. Weil Administrative Offices and the Shirley & Herbert Semler Board Room. |
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Our Place in Portland's History
Congregation Beth Israel's history is also an integral part of the history of Portland and Oregon. The names of our founders and past presidents are intertwined among the civic leaders and merchants who formed our city and state.
Congregation Beth Israel has had 18 Senior Rabbis in the last 150 years.
Rev S.M. Laski (1859) Rabbi Michael Z. Cahana (2006-present)
Aerial photograph of Portland's "Alphabet District" with a newly completed CBI in the lower right. Circa late 1920's-early 1930's.
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