Directory » Congregation Beth Israel
10460 N. 56th St., Scottsdale, AZ
480-951-0323
Congregation Beth Israel, a Reform congregation founded in Phoenix in 1920, is a vibrant Jewish community that inspires its members to engage in meaningful Jewish life and learning, love and support of Israel, and connection to the Jewish people and each other. With a vision to inspire lives with Jewish meaning, purpose, and connection, its underlying mission is to make the world a better place.
“Phoenix was a small Jewish community in the 1920s, about 120 people, when our founders made the bold decision to establish a home for what was then known as Temple Beth Israel,” said Rabbi Stephen Kahn, Senior Rabbi. “Our synagogue served as a cultural center for the Jewish community, including hosting communal Passover Seders, at a time when Jews faced discrimination at hotels and other places of public gathering.” The original location at Central Avenue and Culver Street in downtown Phoenix is now home to the Arizona Jewish Historical Society.
As the city grew, so did the synagogue’s membership. Relocating to 10th Avenue and Osborn from 1950 to 1997, before building its permanent location on 56th Street and Shea Blvd.
Now, more than 575 families, from all parts of the Valley, call Congregation Beth Israel their spiritual home.
“We understand how important it is to provide a place where our members can come to connect not only to Judaism but to the greater community”, said Rabbi Sara Mason-Barkin, Rabbi and Executive Educator. “We take that responsibility very seriously, recognizing that generations of families come to Congregation Beth Israel from the time their kids are in preschool, attending our day and sleepaway camps, commemorating milestones such as Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, confirmations, and weddings. And we are with our members during difficult times, as well, providing comfort and spiritual guidance when needed.”
Families interested in learning more about Congregation Beth Israel and its preschool and camp programs are encouraged to schedule a meeting and tour with the synagogue’s education staff.
- Chanen Preschool offers curriculum that is focused on foundational early childhood education.
- Camp Chanen offers a fun-filled summer of adventures for campers aged 6 weeks through entering 4th Grade.
- Camp Daisy and Harry Stein is an immersive Jewish experience for campers, age 7-18, with counselor and leadership positions for those in college and beyond.
For more information, visit www.cbiaz.org.
