Oldest Harbor Area Synagogue Breaks Ground

Temple Beth El, which is entering its 93^rd year, is getting a significant facelift.  On May 31, the synagogue had a ground breaking ceremony for a remodel that promises to enhance the facility with a building that mirrors warmth and spiritual richness.

The congregation is led by Rabbi Charles Briskin, Cantor Ilan Davidson and director of education and programs, Debi Rowe, the congregation is affiliated with the Union for Reform.

The much-needed renovations will address safety (e.g., handicap access, sprinklers) and security (funded by a Homeland Security grant).  The project will also address maintenance concerns (e.g., bathroom, social hall upgrades).  The facility will enjoy new functionality (e.g., new technology, front entrance ramp) as well.

The roots of Temple Beth El were planted in 1922 when the first organized Jewish religious services held in San Pedro took place at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Leven. There were 25 known Jewish families living in San Pedro at the time.

Prior to 1922, a group of Jewish men had formed a social club that met in a photographer’s studio on Beacon Street. In 1923, their wives established the San Pedro Jewish Sisterhood, dedicated to supporting a Jewish community and giving aid to the poor and needy in our community. These women donated the synagogue’s first Torah scroll in 1928 and became, in time, the primary force in raising funds for the growth of the community.

As services and activities continued and grew, the “founding” men and women raised the money to build a Jewish Center. The San Pedro Jewish Sisterhood held the grant deed for the center.  In 1935 the San Pedro Jewish Community Center was dedicated at the corner of 19^th and Cabrillo streets (now currently the home of the Italian American Club).

By 1938, about 75 Jewish families lived in San Pedro and the name “Congregation Beth El” was adopted.

It soon became clear that the Jewish community would outgrow the original facility and in 1942, several lots on Seventh Street were purchased for future development, though that was not to happen until 1955, when the San Pedro Jewish Sisterhood sold the building at 19^th and Cabrillo Streets and donated the proceeds to the construction of the current facility on Seventh Street.

In 1956, the Torah Scrolls were brought to the new location, which comprised classrooms, offices, a kitchen and the combination Social Hall-Sanctuary.  In 1959, the charter was changed one last time and the congregation became Temple Beth El, a Reform congregation affiliated with the Union of American Hebrew Congregations (now known as the Union for Reform Judaism).

As the community grew into the 1980’s, the Seventh Street facility was enlarged and on November 10, 1985 the congregation consecrated the location.