Welcome to Beth Israel Synagogue
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About Our Synagogue
Beth Israel Congregation is a Conservative Synagogue located just off Route 100 North (Pottstown Pike) in Chester Springs, PA, two miles North of the PA Turnpike "Exit 312." Our doors are always open. We offer a warm and caring environment for Jewish families and singles to practice our faith together. Congregants come from diverse religious backgrounds to worship in harmony as Jews.
Historical Highlights
The surge of immigration from eastern Europe at the turn of the century brought enough Jewish families to Coatesville to make it possible to organize a minyan for worship services. The congregation which was organized in 1904, was first known as Kesher Israel, in which name a cemetery was purchased in 1907. A Sunday school was established that same year.
On May 3, 1916, a petition was filed in Chester County Court of Common Pleas for the incorporation of Beth Israel Congregation which was granted on October 11, 1916.
In 1923, the property on Fifth Ave and Harmony Street in Coatesville was purchased and a new Synagogue was built. An addition was added after World War II to provide classrooms as well as a chapel/library, enlarged social hall and kitchen.
By the mid 1980's it became apparent that the congregation needed to relocate. Our present site in Upper Uwchlan Township was purchased in 1989 and construction began on our new facility in 1994.
The dedication of this beautiful Synagogue in June, 1995 opened a new chapter in the life of this congregation which has served four generations in the past 90 years, and which we hope will provide a spiritual home well into the 21st Century for many more generations of Beth Israelites.
Worship Services
Beth Israel holds Shabbat services every Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m. and Friday evenings at 8:00 p.m. Friday night services are followed by an Oneg Shabbat sponsored by our Sisterhood where congregants and guests can meet, visit, and schmooz with each other. Saturday morning services are followed by a brief Kiddush. We have a monthly Saturday morning Torah study followed by a Kiddush/luncheon.
We presently have a part-time Cantor who chants at all Holiday services and numerous Shabbat Services throughout the year. During the school year, we have Family Shabbat services with services beginning at 7:30 pm. The service is conducted by students from our Religious School. The congregation also holds services on all Jewish Holidays throughout the year.
Religious Practice
Beth Israel Congregation is a Conservative Synagogue affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. Beth Israel offers a modern interpretation of our Jewish heritage in which the women of our congregation enjoy full equal rights while attempting to keep our programs both educational and meaningful.
Tallit and Kipah
Both the tallit (prayer shawl) and kipah (yarmulke) are worn by Jewish men during the Shabbat morning service. As a sign of respect, all men are requested to wear a kipah whenever they are in the sanctuary. The kipah, alone, is worn by men on Friday evenings. While women are not required to wear either a kipah or a tallit, neither are they forbidden to do so.
Kashrut
As a Conservative Synagogue, Beth Israel follows strictly the Jewish dietary laws. Therefore, no food or drink may be brought into the building without first consulting the Rabbi. Also, there is no eating or drinking in the Sanctuary or the Chapel/Library.
Education/Study
Beth Israel supports a wide range of education and study opportunities for all ages. There are preschool programs for our youngest members, and religious classes available for children from Kindergarten through Confirmation age. Adult classes are held weekly in the evenings, as well as a monthly Torah Study following the Saturday morning Sabbath services. Preparations for Bar/Bat Mitzvah are also included for members. Adult Hebrew Reading and Basic Judaism classes are held Sunday mornings.
Facilities
Beth Israel has a beautiful sanctuary which seats 250, as well as a full kosher kitchen and dining/dancing facilities for weddings, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs and other celebrations. Come see our newly constructed Synagogue and grounds before deciding on your next affair. Beth Israel also has the only Holocaust Memorial Garden in Chester County.
Artwork
The Strauss Sanctuary:
According to the artist, Ellen Miret-Jayson, "the stained glass window design evolved from King Solomon's Knot." It has been said that "all the wisdom of Solomon is hidden in this knot." Although this "Emblem of Divine Inscrutability" (as it was called in Medieval times) implied wisdom, to me it also implied completeness. Life and the study of Judaism are an ongoing process so I changed it from a knot into a chain. This chain has a beginning, Creation (right bottom) but has no end (left bottom). The proportion is based on the golden colored section, and in the radius at the top, the proportion reverses, giving it a "crown-like" effect."
The Margolis Family Ark:
resembles the Mishkan, the portable Tabernacle in the wilderness. Notice the tent lines when the Ark is open. The design on the Ark doors represents the burning bush from which God first spoke to Moses in the wilderness.
The Main Foyer:
Ellen Miret-Jayson also designed the beautiful artwork in the Main Foyer display dedicated in memory of Jonathan Halpern. The triptych reads from right to left. It begins with mourning, and a single shiva candle sitting on the traditional shiva table with short legs. Moving to the left there is a couple dancing. This represents the verse from Ecclesiastes, "A time for mourning and a time for dancing." To the left of this is the Angel Gabriel, blowing the shofar, welcoming Jonathan's soul to heaven as it ascends Jacob's ladder.
Foyer
On the floor of the foyer, under a small skylight, is a Star of David made from Jerusalem stone.
The Huppah:
On permanent display in the Judaica shop, off the main foyer, is a beautiful handmade needlepoint Huppah. In color and composition, this Huppah is reminiscent of a Ketubah (marriage contract) of the Middle Ages & Renaissance periods. The ceiling of the Huppah is divided geometrically in sections around a sky-blue circle resembling a Persian carpet, each section containing a symbol of Jewish life: Torah, Kiddush Cup, Menorah, & a Shabbat Lamp. All of this is framed by a verse from the Song of Songs in Hebrew and English.
The Hankin Chapel/Library:
One whole wall of the beautiful Chapel/Library is covered by a handmade needlepoint depicting the story of Jonah. On the eastern wall, in a specially designed alcove, is the original, restored Ark built in 1924 for the Coatesville Synagogue.
Berashit:
In the hall leading to the Horwitz School Wing is the needlepoint tapestry designed for Beth Israel depicting the 7 days of creation in seven panels.
Holocaust Memorial Garden:
Behind the school wing sits a 3 tiered Holocaust Memorial Garden. Six headstones are inscribed with the names of the major Concentration-Death Camp Centers. In front of the names are six identical trees representing the six million Jews who died, and signifying that we are still here and going strong. A Yizkor memorial eternal flame sculpture sits at the top center of the Memorial.