Temple Beth Israel (Macon, Georgia)

Reform synagogue in Georgia, United States

Temple Beth Israel listed at its original location in Sholes' Directory of the City of Macon, 1894

Temple Beth Israel (Hebrew: בית ישראל, lit. 'House of Israel') is a Reform Jewish congregation and synagogue located at 892 Cherry Street in Macon, Georgia, in the United States.^[3]

Formed in 1859 by Jews of German background as Congregation Kahal Kadosh Beth Israel, it was originally Orthodox, and followed the German minhag.^[1]

The congregation constructed its first building on the corner of Poplar and Second Streets from 1871 to 1874.^[1] The congregation's current Neoclassical building was constructed on the corner of Cherry and Spring Streets in 1902.^[1]

Rabbi Elizabeth Bahar has served as the congregation's rabbi since 2020.^[4] Rabbi Larry Schlesinger retired in June 2017 and was appointed Rabbi Emeritus.^[2]

In June 2023, the synagogue was the subject of antisemitic and anti-LGBTQ attacks from the Goyim Defense League^[5] and Jon Minadeo II.^[6][7]

References

1. "History of TBI". Temple Beth Israel. Archived from the original on February 6, 2005. Retrieved August 28, 2009.^{[self-published source?]}
2. "Clergy & Staff". Temple Beth Israel. Retrieved June 1, 2018.^{[self-published source?]}
3. "Home page". Temple Beth Israel. Archived from the original on August 16, 2011. Retrieved January 30, 2009.^{[self-published source?]}
4. Lawler, Suzanne (November 21, 2021). "Macon's Temple Beth Israel installs first female rabbi". 13WMAZ. Retrieved January 11, 2024.
5. Blankenship, Grant (June 26, 2023). "Hundreds gather in solidarity against antisemitic and anti-LGBTQ hate speech at Macon temple". Georgia Public Broadcasting. Retrieved January 11, 2024.
6. "USA – A Jewish effigy hung outside of Temple Beth Israel in Macon, GA". Antisemitism. Israel: Coordination Forum for Countering Antisemitism. June 26, 2023. Retrieved January 11, 2024.
7. Lapin, Andrew (June 26, 2023). "Neo-Nazis protest 2 Georgia synagogues over the weekend". Jewish Telegraph Agency. Retrieved January 11, 2024.

Further reading

• Friedman, Newton J. (1990). A History of Temple Beth Israel of Macon, Georgia 1859-1955. Macon, Georgia: Temple Beth Israel of Macon, Georgia.

External links

• Official website
• Klinger, Jerry; Makali Bruton, J. (November 18, 2023). Fisher, Bernard (ed.). "Temple Beth Israel". Historical Marker Database.