History

Congregation Beth El was established in 1955 upon acquisition of its current building which had originally been a Grange Hall and later a Boys' Club.

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 remodeled 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 a new foundation, two new kitchens, four classrooms for the Hebrew School, a pantry, a new library, a new gift shop, new restrooms with a baby-changing station, new wiring, and many other improvements. Last year, a generous donation was made so that we could install air conditioning, which we did. Later this summer we plan to install a stair lift which will run from the basement up to the first floor at the back door, which was made possible by an additional donation.

Until about 1970, Congregation Beth El required a traditional minyan (all male). 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.