Founded in 1908 as Voliner Anshe Sfard this is Beth Shalom Congregation. Initially services were held in a member’s home. Soon they bought a store and remodeled it into a synagogue. Men and women had separate sections. Within years they even purchased their own cemetery. This shows their early commitment to their community.
In 1936 Beth Shalom Congregation merged with Har Zion Congregation. They adopted the name Beth Shalom Congregation and Talmud Torah. A Hebrew school was also established. This was a significant expansion. Two years later they built a new building. It cost $100000. This magnificent structure was located on Eighth and Shepherd streets in Petworth Washington D.C. It served the congregation for eighteen years.
By 1954 many members had moved. The congregation sold their building to the Allegheny Conference Association of Seventh-day Adventists. They temporarily moved to a former bank building. Religious classes were held in Brightwood. They then built a new building in Shepherd Park. This new building cost $900000. Its completion in 1957 allowed for seating of 2000 worshippers. The Hebrew school at one point had over 400 students. This highlights their remarkable growth.
By 1975 many members moved to Montgomery County Maryland. Only one-fifth of the seats were filled for Shabbat services. This led to a bold decision. They decided to build a chapel and a religious school in Potomac. This was considered a branch. The new location proved successful. Membership increased by ten percent. The religious school enrollment increased tenfold. This shows the congregation’s adaptability.
In the late 1980s Beth Shalom spearheaded the construction of a two-mile-long eruv in Potomac. This made it easier for observant Orthodox Jews to carry objects on Shabbat. It led to a growth in the Orthodox population. In 1994 they built a new building in Potomac. This accommodated their growing community. A second phase was completed in 1999. In 2005 Beth Shalom made history. They elected a woman as president the first Orthodox congregation in Washington to do so. By 2012 the congregation had over four hundred families. This reflects their continued success and adaptability. Beth Shalom Congregation stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of faith and community.