Temple Beth Israel (Altoona, Pennsylvania)

For similarly named synagogues, see Beth Israel.
Temple Beth Israel
Temple Beth Israel
Religion
AffiliationReform Judaism
Ecclesiastical or organizational statusSynagogue
LeadershipRabbi Audrey Korotkin
StatusActive
Location
Location3004 Union Avenue, Altoona, Pennsylvania
CountryUnited States
Temple Beth Israel (Altoona, Pennsylvania) is located in Pennsylvania
Temple Beth Israel (Altoona, Pennsylvania)
Location in Pennsylvania
Geographic coordinates40°29′39″N 78°24′22″W / 40.494151°N 78.406224°W / 40.494151; -78.406224
Architecture
Architect(s)Morris W. Scheibel
TypeSynagogue
StyleMoorish Revival
Date established1874 (as a congregation)
Completed
  • 1898 (13th Avenue)
  • 1927 (Union Avenue)
Dome(s)One
Website
templebethisrael.net
[1][self-published source?]

Temple Beth Israel is a Reform synagogue located at 3004 Union Avenue, Altoona, Pennsylvania, in the United States.[1][self-published source?]

History

Founded in 1874 as the Orthodox Ahavath Achim (transliterated from Hebrew as "brotherly love"), the congregation moved to adopt Reform liturgy in 1877. In 1890 the congregation reorganized and was renamed Mountain City Hebrew Reformed Congregation. The congregation changed its name to Temple Beth Israel in 1922, and moved to its current location in 1924.[2]

The congregation's earlier temple, designed by Charles Morrison Robinson in 1898, is now Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, located at 1433 13th Avenue. The congregation's current building was designed by Morris W. Scheibel in 1927 in the Moorish Revival style.[3]

Former rabbis include Nathan Kaber, Gary Klein, Richard Zionts, Burt Schuman (1995–2006), and Nicole Luna.[4][self-published source?] From 2006 to 2010, Beth Israel was served by student rabbis or lay leaders. Audrey Korotkin joined as a part-time rabbi in 2010. She had previously served in three other synagogues.[5]

With a membership of approximately 70 families, Temple Beth Israel serves the greater Altoona metropolitan area.[4] In 2011, Temple Beth Israel also hosted the Altoona Alliance Church for all of its services and functions; the Church was in temporary quarters that were sold.[6]

References

  1. ^ a b "Contact Us". Temple Beth Israel. Retrieved January 11, 2010.[self-published source?]
  2. ^ Spiegel, Nancy (1989). "Hebrew Reform Temple (Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church)" (PDF). History American Buildings Survey No. PA-5517.
  3. ^ Donnelly, Lu (2012). Esperdy, Gabrielle; Kingsley, Karen (eds.). "Temple Betth Israel, [Altoona, Pennsylvania]". SAH Archipedia. Charlottesville: Society of Architectural Historians. Retrieved December 24, 2023.
  4. ^ a b "About Us". Temple Beth Israel. Retrieved January 11, 2010.[self-published source?]
  5. ^ Gracey, Linda T. (July 9, 2010). "Temple Beth Israel welcomes new rabbi". Altoona Mirror.
  6. ^ Gracey, Linda T. (March 4, 2011). "Altoona Alliance to hold services at Jewish temple". Altoona Mirror.