Congregation Beth Israel (House of Israel), was first established in Portland in 1858. This was not yet a state but was still part of the Oregon Territory. A small congregation, affiliated withe the Reform movement, it's first services were held in a room above a livery stable. A year later, in 1859 the congregation was able to move their first synagogue.
The second Synagogue was a good home for the congregation, before it also became to small for its needs. A new Synagogue was then built nearby in 1889.
A city directory of Portland from 1893, lists the synagogue, with Jacob Bloch serving as the Rabbi. In 1923, 34 years after being built, the second Synagogue was destroyed by fire. The current synagogue, built in the Byzantine style is shown above, was completed in 1928. The congregation continues to grow and over time has added to its campus. A religious school and art room for young artists are some of the features of the additional space.
Over the next few years, they will be celebrated the 170th anniversary of its founding and the 100th anniversary of the completion of the synagogue.
