The early days of Temple Beth-El are somewhat lost in the mists of time. Around the time of the end of the Civil War, probably about 1864-65, a group of Jews in Jersey City began to meet in study and prayer. They formalized this community under the name of the Isaac Ephraim Congregation, then Beth Israel Congregation, and finally Temple Beth-El in 1871.

Early records indicate that the young congregation met downtown, at 96 Montgomery Street, or nearby on York St. Earliest Temple records date back to 1891, where we see planning for the High Holy Days of that year. The Congregation's liberal roots can be seen throughout, including the resolution that passed overwhelmingly at the Annual Meeting on October 19, 1921, that elected a slate including three women to the Board of Trustees.

In February, 1922, the property at the corner of Harrison Avenue and JF Kennedy Boulevard was purchased. The ground-breaking ceremony took place on June 7, 1925 and the temple was completed in time for the High Holy Day services in 1926. In early September, 1926, the new sanctuary was consecrated. at the inaugural service, the Torahs were carried in solemn procession by the officers and trustees and placed in the beautiful ark. Among the many dignitaries present were Governor A. Harry Moore, Mayor Frank Hague, Rabbi Stephen S. Wise and Rabbi Benjamin Plotkin.

Temple Beth-El has been served by distinguished clergy, whose leadership has activated, consoled and inspired this congregation throughout our 144-year history.

1864 - ?	Rev. Friedman*
1871 - ?	Rev. Goldman
1895 - 1896	Rev. Rozenzweig
1898 - 1900	Rev. Julius Silberfeld
1901 - 1903	Rev. Rosenberg
1904 - 1907	Rev. A. Ableson
1908 - 1909	Rev. Nathan Wolf
1909 - 1914	Rabbi L. J. Goetz
1914 - 1937	Rabbi Maurice Thorner
1934 - 1986	Cantor Abraham Berman
1936 - 1986	Rabbi Samuel A. Berman
1986 - 1989	Rabbi Bruce Block
1989 - Present	Rabbi Kenneth Brickman

* The Congregation was known as the Isaac Ephraim Congregation at this time.

In recent years, Temple Beth-El has been honored to provide student pulpits to Cantorial and Rabbinic students from the HUC-JIR. Our services are much the richer for their talents, enthusiasm, and energy and for the continuous innovation they bring.

1985-86	Cantor Miranda Kark Beckenstein now
1986-88	Cantor Peter Halpern now
1988-90	Cantor Karen Webber Gilat now
1990-92	Cantor Sarah Pscheidt now
1992-94	Cantor Michael Shochet now
1994-96	Cantor Daniel Rosenfeld now
1996-97	Cantor Janet Leuchter now
1997-98	Cantor David Bentley now
1997-98	Rabbi Andrew Davids
1998-99	Rabbi Lisa Izes
1998-2000	Cantor Sergei Schwartz now
2000-02	Cantor Larisa Averbakh now
2002-06	Cantor David Reinwald soon
2006-07	Cantor Jason Kaufman now
2007- Present	Cantor Jamie Marx

In a community as old and richly diverse as TBE, memories rooted in this building and in the comings and goings of its occupants have spread around the world. Have a sweet memory to share? We would love to hear your funny stories, tales of simcha or sadness, or glimpses of years past. In telling us your story through this form, we ask that you also grant us the permission to share those stories. If you prefer a confidential communication, please use our contact form.