History of Beth Israel
A Brief History Of Beth Israel
1883—First presence of an Orthodox community in Omaha. Beth Hamedrosh Hagadol (BHH), otherwise known as "The Litvsche Shul", was built. Other small synagogues were formed over the next few years, including B’nai Israel Adas Russia (better known as "The Kippler Shul"), B’nai Jacob Anshe Sholom ("The Kapulier Shul"), and Beth Hamedrash Adas Yeshurun.Bnai Jacob Anshe Sholom and Beth Hamedrosh Adas Yeshurun merged to form B’nai Jacob Adas Yeshurun, but kept the nickname "The Kapulier Shul". B’nai Israel and BHH merged to form the Union of Orthodox Congregations of Omaha.
1946—UOC hires architect Clarence Kivett of the firm Kivett and Meyers (Kansas City) to create a design for a new synagogue building. The building was a major advance in architecture; its large sanctuary and social hall spanned about 200 feet without any support columns. Beth Israel Synagogue is the name selected for this new congregation.
1948—Groundbreaking ceremony in September at 1502 North 52nd Street
1950—Cornerstone ceremony in May
1951—Completion of the building and dedication ceremony in September
1961—Construction of School wing
1999—Membership of Beth Israel approved the building of the new synagogue on property owned by the synagogue at 126th and Pacific Streets. With architects RDG Planning and Design, the synagogue works to design a building to meet the needs of the congregation.
2002— Groundbreaking ceremony in October at 12604 Pacific Street
2004—Opening of the new building in February, and formal dedication in October
Beth Israel looks toward a future as rich in heritage, community, and dedicated volunteerism as we have enjoyed in the past.
Wed, October 5 2022
10 Tishrei 5783
beth Israel's updated covid-19 protocols as of March 11, 2022
Effective immediately, Beth Israel Synagogue will no longer require attendees to mask at in-person religious or social events. This change in policy is a reflection of the recent decline of Covid-positive cases reported throughout the metro area, the expiration of Douglas County's mask mandate, and the Center of Disease Control's updated guidelines.
Though optional, masks are still encouraged, especially for high-risk individuals. And while masks are no longer required, irrespective of age or vaccine status, the synagogue strongly suggests that all attendees adhere to their healthcare providers' recommendations in terms of attendance, mask-wearing and vaccination.
Please note that this policy is subject to change should a new surge of Covid-19 occur.
Misheberach List
order your Beth Israel Shirts Now!
We are pleased to share a new design in our Teepublic store. Inspired by the mural on the historic Pinnacle Bank Building downtown and hand-lettered by Stephanie Plenner Gerber, Shalomaha is available as apparel, mugs, tote bags, and more! Click here for the link and get shopping now. Beth Israel receives a portion of each sale.
If I Can't Live in Israel, the Second Best is Omaha logo also still available. Click here.
