B
eth El Congregation in Scott Township
is in the midst of a year-long celebration
recognizing its 100th anniversary.
Originally founded on July 1, 1917,
by Rebecca Ruderman, congregants
gathered at several sites in Beechview
for nearly 10 years before the first synagogue was
built in 1927. In 1962, the congregation built a
new synagogue to accommodate the growing
membership at 1900 Cochran Road.
“We love our location, nestled in the hills
alongside a peaceful creek behind Cochran
Road,” says Deb Scheimer, a past president and
volunteer co-chair of this year’s celebration of
festivities.
Beth El is a modern, conservative
congregation that strives to meet the needs
of members in a manner consistent with
conservative ideals. It is committed to providing
an engaging Jewish experience for all ages and
abilities through prayer, education and a wide
variety of activities.
“We are proud to offer education and prayer
rooted in tradition as well as modern times,
while still utilizing the Hebrew language to pray
during our services,” says Scheimer. “It really is a
place for everyone.”
Keeping these ideals and philosophies in
mind is the core of Beth El’s mission for the
centennial celebration.
“There are so many people to thank a nd
recognize,” explains Scheimer. “To try to fit it
all into a one-night event would not have given
anyone their due. So, we formed committees to
spotlight the many people and groups, past and
present, who’ve contributed to our long and
cherished history.”
The year-long celebration began in April with
a tribute to rabbis Alex and Amy Greenbaum,
who are celebrating 15 years of service.
“We are so lucky to have the Greenbaums
lead us in our worship and religious education,”
says Scheimer. “They are completely immersed
in our congregation and we all benefit from their
insights.”
“We are proud to offer education and
prayer that’s rooted in tradition as well
as modern times while still utilizing the
Hebrew language to pray during our
services. It really is a place for everyone.”
In addition to the kick-off event, Beth El is
holding celebrations for the teachers and religious
school directors, men’s club and Sisterhood.
“Since our congregation was started by a
woman, we felt it was especially meaningful to
honor the past presidents of the Sisterhood,
which was originally called the Jewish Mothers’
Club of Beechview,” notes Scheimer. “A
Sisterhood Centennial Shabbat took place
recently and it was wonderful to honor the past
presidents who could attend. It included a Torah-
passing ceremony that was beautiful.”
Festivities for Beth El Congregation will
conclude in April, 2018, with the “Party of the
Century.”
“We have been working hard to collect
historical artifacts, proclamations from
dignitaries, old photographs and stories to begin
developing our own history book,” says Scheimer.
“We’re also designing a centennial garden where
members can purchase a paver and have it
engraved.”
In addition, the original parchment charter
of the congregation can now be seen in a new
display case recently donated by the wife and
children of past president Howard (Buddy)
Minsky in his memory. As it turns out, past
president Nathan Tabor was in possession of the
time capsule from the original Beth El synagogue
in Beechview, which is now the location of the
Beechview Carnegie Library.
“Nate saved the time capsule for many years
before giving it to our executive director, Steve
Hecht,” explains Scheimer. “It was no bigger
than an index card box and held the names of the
original members of our congregation, recorded
in the most beautiful handwriting. There were
also some old coins and other artifacts inside that
we can display for everyone to see.”
Preserving Beth El’s history and celebrating
those who helped build the congregation of more
than 420 families isn’t something Scheimer and
her co-chairs take lightly.
“Our synagogue is a vital community of
people who make things happen,” she says. “We
take pride in our children and have a very active
congregation. It’s a community I personally am
so proud to be a part of, and we all realize we
wouldn’t be here today without everyone who
came before us.”
To learn more about Beth El Congregation
and the year-long centennial celebration, visit
bethelcong.org. n
Beth El in Beechview, circa 1945
Beth El Groundbreaking, 1977
Neuman Family
Beth El Groundbreaking Ceremony, 1962
Photo Credits: Beth El Congregation of the South Hills
Mt. Lebanon | Winter 2017 | icmags.com 47