The Congregation

The founders of Congregation Beth El came to Potsdam as businessmen, professors, doctors and other professionals. Some of them were originally members of other nearby congregations (Massena's Adath Israel and Ogdensburg's Anshe Zophen), but as the Jewish population of Potsdam increased, Congregation Beth El was established. The building has been re... modeled several times, including our most recent renovations in 1998/99. Many persons generously donated money, time and other resources to make this possible. That endeavor included two new kitchens, four classrooms for the Hebrew School, a new library, a new gift shop, and many other improvements. Until about 1970, Congregation Beth El required a traditional, all male minyan. After that, women were counted and fully participated in services. Another goal of the Potsdam Jewish community was and still is to provide Jewish university students with a place to attend High Holy Day services, Shabbat and other services, and to build a social network with other Jewish students in the area. The Beth El community shares the Jewish cemetery formerly belonging to Congregation Adath Israel in Massena. For more information about the cemetery, contact Louis Levine at llevine@melvinlaw.com.Read More