“Progressive Temple Beth Ahavath Sholom” Try to pronounce that three times fast. This is one of the names that eventually led to the Beth Sholom People’s Temple Synagogue.
Let’s explore the story of Beth Sholom People’s Temple Synagogue a bit. It has roots that stretch back over a century. The synagogue’s story involves mergers and a shared commitment to Reform Judaism.
Beth Sholom People’s Temple Synagogue began as Beth Sholom People’s Temple in 1905. Temple Ahavath Sholom followed in 1912. Progressive Synagogue joined later with its constitution adopted in 1919. These three congregations eventually united. Together they embraced their shared history.
In 1908, Hannah Hirsch wanted to give her children a Jewish education. She invited neighbors to her home in Flatbush Brooklyn. This led to the first Reform religious school in Flatbush. For three years, classes were held in a bakery on Cortelyou Road.
In 1911, Mrs. Hirsch’s group of thirty-five families organized a Reform congregation. They met at the Savoy Hall on Flatbush Avenue. Annual dues were set at $12.00. Donations went to a building fund. The congregation was named Temple Beth Emeth of Flatbush.
Rabbi Samuel J. Levinson of Yonkers was invited to lead the congregation. He accepted and was installed in 1912. His annual salary was $500. Rabbi Levinson started a campaign to build a permanent Temple. The first location considered was at Westminster Road and Ditmas Avenue. The deal fell through due to a restriction against churches. The next location was at Marlborough Road and Church Avenue. The congregation paid $6,300 for the property in 1912. The cornerstone was laid in 1913. The new Temple was dedicated on Rosh Hashanah Eve in 1914.
Membership grew quickly. More space was needed for classrooms. In 1922, an addition was added to the sanctuary. By the mid-1930s, Temple Beth Emeth had a large men’s club with over 800 members. The sisterhood had over 400 members. The religious school was excellent. Rabbi Levinson celebrated his 25th year at Temple Beth Emeth in 1936.
The sanctuary was renovated in 1936. It was changed to an art-deco design. Air conditioning was installed. A bronze Ark was gifted to the Temple. The renovations made the sanctuary beautiful. It became known as the little “Jewel Box.”
In the late 1960s, many Reform Jews left Brooklyn. This reduced the membership of four congregations. By the 1990s, mergers resulted in Temple Beth Emeth v’Ohr Progressive Shaari Zedek. This kept Reform Judaism alive in Flatbush.
In 2011, the congregation celebrated its centennial. They hired their first female rabbi, Heidi Hoover. She succeeded Rabbi William Kloner and Cantor Suzanne Bernstein.
In 1994, Temple Ahavath Shalom and Beth Sholom Peoples Temple consolidated. Their new name was Temple Beth Ahavath Shalom. In 2004, Temple Beth Ahavath Shalom consolidated with Progressive Synagogue of Borough Park. This formed Progressive Temple Beth Ahavath Shalom.
Progressive Temple Beth Ahavath Sholom and Temple Beth Emeth v’Ohr Progressive Shaari Zedek eventually became Beth Shalom Emeth Reform Temple. This history shows how Beth Sholom People’s Temple Synagogue came to be.
Today Beth Sholom People’s Temple Synagogue stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Reform Judaism. It is a place of community worship and learning. Its doors are open to all.