Congregation Beth Israel

Beneath our dome is a spiritual home, a place of community and friendship, a place to be inspired through prayer, a place for lifelong learning, and a place where every person makes a difference. Congregation Beth Israel is proud to be a part of the Portland community since our founding in 1858. We are affiliated with the Reform Movement through th... e Union for Reform Judaism . Congregation Beth Israel is the leading voice of Reform Judaism in Oregon. Improving our World through Education, Leadership and Inspiration Promoting Traditional Jewish Values of Respect, Justice and Compassion Providing an Environment that Inspires Worship, Spirituality and Celebration across the Generations Centrally located in eclectic Northwest Portland, our campus reflects the Congregations commitment to Jewish learning , worship and community . Two small chapels provide intimate settings for interactive religious gatherings, while the architecturally renowned Temple (completed in 1928) lends grace and formality to services on High Holy Days, Bnei Mitzvah , Festivals and other occasions . Opposite the historic Temple, the Sherman Education Center houses the Congregations URJ accredited Religious School. The center spans 20 classrooms, the cozy Amy R. Goldsmith Library, Shemanski Chapel, Blumauer Auditorium, Miller Room and art room where over 500 students study and worship each year. The lovely WRJ/BIS Judaica Gift Shop is located next to the Education offices in the Sherman Education Center. The Schnitzer Family Center, located just across Flanders Street, was built in 1993 to meet the growing needs of the Congregation. The distinctive red brick structure features the beautifully designed Pollin Chapel, Lipman Foyer, Goodman Reception Hall, Robert P. Weil Administrative Offices and the Shirley & Herbert Semler Board Room. The Congregation also provides a beautifully maintained cemetery with ground burial and four mausoleums for vault entombment and niches for urns. The Landau Chapel at the cemetery is available for funeral ...Read More