From Atlantic City Roots to a Vibrant Future: The Journey of Beth Israel

Beth Israel, the largest Reform congregation on the Mainland in South Jersey, has been a welcoming home for generations of Jewish families for more than 130 years. Rooted in its Atlantic City and Reform Jewish heritage, Beth Israel embraces the diversity of today’s Jewish community, welcoming interfaith families, LGBTQ Jews and partners, Jews of color, and all who seek a meaningful connection to Jewish life. Through worship, education, spirituality, and community engagement, Beth Israel continues to create opportunities for learning, connection, and acts of Tikkun Olam while honoring tradition and building a vibrant future.

Synagogue

Beth Israel’s sanctuary features the original stained-glass windows, created in 1913 for our former home in Atlantic City. When the congregation relocated to Northfield in 1985, these historic windows were carefully restored and installed in the new sanctuary, preserving an important link to our past.

The sanctuary’s pews, purchased in 2003, were handcrafted on Kibbutz Lavi in Israel, reflecting our enduring connection to the land and people of Israel.

Learning

Beth Israel offers a comprehensive religious education program for children from PreK through sixth grade, providing a strong foundation in Jewish learning and tradition. Our youngest students explore Judaism through stories, music, crafts, movement, and hands-on activities, while older students develop Hebrew language and prayer skills, learn about Jewish values, holidays, history, and current events, and participate in meaningful community service.

Open exclusively to Beth Israel members, our program also prepares students for their Bar or Bat Mitzvah through personalized instruction with our B’nai Mitzvah educator and the Rabbi, culminating in a meaningful Shabbat service where they lead prayers, read from the Torah, and celebrate this important milestone with their families.

Beth Israel also offers a variety of adult learning opportunities, including free educational programs, Torah study, book discussions, Shabbat dinners with guest speakers, and other engaging programs open to both members and the wider community.

Life Cycle

Beth Israel’s lifecycle events celebrate and support every stage of Jewish life, from baby naming ceremonies and first prayer books to Bar and Bat Mitzvah, Confirmation, weddings, and funerals. Rooted in Jewish tradition, these meaningful milestones are guided by the Rabbi and the congregation, providing families with spiritual connection, compassionate support, and lasting memories throughout life’s journey.

Community

Beth Israel offers a vibrant community life with annual events such as the Fall Festival, Community Chanukah Celebration, and Summer Barbecue. Members can also connect through groups including Beth Israel Sisterhood, Kehilah Love, the Covenant Society, and the Life & Legacy program, fostering friendships, volunteerism, and a strong sense of community.

Historical Background

In the early 1700s, the United States had not yet been formed; the region was a collection of Native American lands and British colonies along the East Coast. Life was largely rural and agricultural, with communities focused on farming, hunting, and building homes. Daily life followed the seasons, and survival depended on self-sufficiency and close-knit communities.

In the early 1700s, New Jersey was a diverse English royal colony where Jewish settlers began establishing roots. Jewish merchants, including Aaron Lozada in Bound Brook, were among the earliest arrivals, with others settling in areas such as Monmouth County.

By the 1800s, waves of German and Central European Jews arrived seeking opportunity, followed by thousands of Eastern European Jews fleeing persecution and restrictive laws between 1880 and 1890. These communities helped shape the foundation of Jewish life in New Jersey.

Which brings us to 1890.

In 1890, the United States had 44 states and was led by President Benjamin Harrison during the Gilded Age, a period of rapid growth and stark economic inequality. While many Americans still worked in agriculture, cities expanded quickly as factories, industry, and new opportunities transformed the nation.

In 1890, New Jersey was a growing state shaped by industry, agriculture, and tourism. Cities such as Paterson, Newark, and Camden expanded with factories, railroads, and shipyards, while coastal towns developed into popular destinations for families seeking leisure by the shore.

It was in that year, 1890, Beth Israel was founded. The congregation is Atlantic City’s first Jewish congregation and has served the community for more than 130 years. The congregation dedicated its first synagogue in 1893 and grew steadily as Atlantic City’s Jewish population expanded throughout the early 20th century. By the 1920s, Beth Israel had become home to hundreds of families, adapting over the decades to changing demographics and economic challenges while remaining a vibrant center for Jewish worship, education, and community life.

Beth Israel’s Downbeach site officially opened in 1961, with an annex added and dedicated in 1962. In 2010, the sanctuary was rededicated in memory of Gusti Engelberg, a beloved member whose 65 years of service made her the “heart and soul” of the congregation.

For more than 130 years, Beth Israel has continued to adapt and grow, embracing new leadership and opportunities while serving the evolving South Jersey Jewish community. Today, Beth Israel remains a vibrant congregation dedicated to Jewish worship, education, community, and connection, honoring its rich history while building a meaningful future for generations to come.

Contact Information:

Beth Israel, 2501 Shore Rd, Northfield, NJ 08225

Phone: (609) 641-3600

Email: bethisrael@cbinorthfield.org

Website: https://www.bethisraelnorthfield.org/

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