Beth El Congregation is a Reform Judaism congregation located at 520 Fairmont Avenue in Winchester, Virginia, in the United States. The local Jewish community didn't develop until the late-19th century. They were mostly merchants and observed dietary laws, often having to travel to Baltimore for supplies. In 1908, the Jewish citizens decided to observe its first High Holy Days. Two local leaders learned shochet laws, enabling local Jews to keep kosher without having to travel out of town.
By the 1930s, there were over 50 Jews living in Winchester and another two dozen in nearby towns. During that decade, Beth El was formally established and the congregation met on the third floor of the Odd Fellows Building. The local Jewish Women's Club and B'nai B'rith Lodge were also established during that decade. Services were led by congregants until after World War II. By that time, many in the congregation no longer observed Orthodox practices, and Reform Judaism began to take hold. Rabbis studying at Hebrew Union College would come each year to conduct services during High Holy Days.
In 1954, a synagogue was built, allowing Beth El to have a permanent place to gather and worship. A dedication ceremony was attended by dignitaries including Representative Burr Harrison and Senator Harry F. Byrd. The local non-Jewish community played a major role in raising funds for the new synagogue, with over $12,000 in donations given to the congregation. This type of interfaith practice would continue throughout Beth El's history.
After the synagogue was built, there was a rotating number of rabbis leading services, but one cantor, Lloyd Robb, would remain for 40 years. It wasn't until 1991 when Beth El's first rabbi, Dan Isaac, was hired. A major renovation was undertaken beginning in 2013 to accommodate elderly and disabled attendees, move the sanctuary entrance to a new portion of the building, and to update the sanctuary and other rooms. Following the 2018 Pittsburgh synagogue shooting, security measures were installed at Beth El.
The current rabbi is Aaron Stucker-Rozovsky, who also holds the rank of major in the National Guard. He arrived during the COVID-19 pandemic, when services were held online and congregants would deliver groceries to the elderly. Other charitable activities Beth El participates in include hosting an annual Migrant's Lunch, volunteering at the local hospital on Christmas so that non-Jews may have the day off, and providing assistance to the Winchester Area Temporary Transitional Shelter. Prominent past and current members include Winchester Mayor Charles Zuckerman and Ron Kaplan, former CEO of Trex Company, Inc.
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