About our Congregation

In 1859 four Jewish families settled permanently in Rockingham County. Thus began the history of Beth El Congregation. Eight years later, reularly scheduled religous services began in a rented room. The first Torah, which is still in use, was purchased in 1870.

The land for a Jewish cemetery was acquired in 1876, and the next year Hebrew Friendship Congergation was chartered. On July 4, 1891, the cornerstone was laid for the first synagogue in the area.

The cornerstone for the present building was laid in 1964, and the name of the Congregation was changed from Hebrew Friendship to Beth El, House of God. Beth El is a Reform Congregation serving the central Shenandoah Valley area with:

• Shabbat and holiday worship
• Religious Education for children and adults
• Youth Group Activities
• Sisterhood and Men's Club programs
• Outreach to Jewish students attending area colleges and universities
• Community services

Beth El Congregation is a member of the Union for Reform Judaism and the Harrisonburg/Rockingham Association of Churches and Congregations. The Sisterhood is affiliated with the WRJ (Women of Reform Judaism) and the Men's Club with MRJ (Men of Reform Judaism).The Youth Group (SHORTY) is affiliated with NFTY (North American Federation of Temple Youth).

The Congregation maintains strong working relationships with the Anti-Defamation League of B'Nai Brith and other organizations focused on social justice and equality.

Beth El often joins with our sister congregation Temple House of Israel in Staunton,VA for celebration, worship, social and educational activities.

P.O. Box 845
Old Furnace Road
Harrisonburg, Virginia, 22803
(540)434-2744

Email Rabbi Joe Blair