Imagine Manhattan without a thriving “Two-Testament” Jewish synagogue. That was the reality until Congregation Beth El emerged. This is its story.
Beth El’s story began in August 1993. It started in a living room on 70th Street. Seven people gathered with Rabbi Bruce and Rebbetzin Debi Cohen. They envisioned a unique synagogue.
The Cohens brought years of experience. They had ministry skills and leadership qualities. Both were recognized internationally within their religious alliance. Many leaders in the Messianic Jewish world encouraged them. They felt called to Manhattan. It was considered the Jewish world’s capital outside Israel.
Before Beth El, no “Two-Testament” synagogue thrived there. Even large evangelical groups failed. Manhattan is often called “the western-most suburb of Jerusalem.” This nickname reflects God’s plan. In 1992, the Cohens gained Israeli citizenship in Jerusalem. This was right before planting the Manhattan synagogue.
Two weeks later, a retired couple heard about Beth El. They had prayed for years for a synagogue like this. They found an ideal meeting place. It was the Barbizon Hotel on 63rd Street and Lexington Avenue. They donated their deal to Beth El of Manhattan.
Beth El exists because of faith and commitment. People share a vision for its work. Its impact stretches from Los Angeles to Jerusalem. It reaches from New York to Moscow to Cape Town.
Shortly after Rosh HaShanah in 1993, Beth El received a call. A ministry offered them a full-sized Torah. Beth El accepted it.
Rabbi Bruce was one of few American Messianic rabbis who could read the Torah’s Hebrew text. He wanted to teach directly from the scroll. This was a Biblical model. He wanted to serve Manhattan’s erudite Jewish population.
Beth El suddenly had a Torah scroll. It had survived the Holocaust in Europe. Three Torah fragments were sewn together. They formed one complete scroll.
Soon after, a Jewish businessman approached Rabbi Bruce. He said, “Your Manhattan office is ready.” William Reese owned Litigation Graphics, Inc. He had designed an office space for the rabbi. God had shown him to include it.
God was clearly at work for Congregation Beth El.
Before the Torah and office, Rabbi Bruce had faith. He believed they would be donated. He said, “God is leading people to give them to us.”
Since starting at the Barbizon Hotel, Beth El has grown. It thrived in rented facilities. It went virtual during the COVID-19 quarantine. In June 2022, in-person services restarted. They were held in The Park Avenue Methodist Building.
Beth El’s relationship with Jerusalem and Israel remains strong. Trips for ministry and life events continue. The synagogue’s service to Israel is increasing.
Beth El’s story continues. Its founders invite you to explore. Consider if you might be part of it.