Congregation Beth Israel
Austin, Travis County, Texas
Marker Inscription
This congregation was organized in 1876 by about 30 charter members led by noted businessman Henry Hirschfeld and newspaper publisher Phineas de Cordova. In 1877 Beth Israel purchased a lot at 11th and San Jacinto Streets where the first synagogue was erected in 1884. Joe Koen began a 45-year term as president in 1889. The congregation bought land at Shoal Creek Blvd. and 38th Street in 1953; administration and school buildings were erected in 1957. A sanctuary was completed in 1967. A sanctuary was completed in 1967. Beth Israel continues to serve as a focal point for Austin's Jewish community.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Congregation Beth Israel was organized in 1876 by about thirty charter members, led by the businessman Henry Hirschfeld and newspaper publisher Phineas de Cordova. The congregation bought a lot at 11th and San Jacinto and built its first synagogue in 1884, and Joe Koen began a remarkable 45-year term as president in 1889. In the 1950s and '60s it moved to a new campus on Shoal Creek Boulevard, where it remains a center of Austin's Jewish life.
Why it matters
Beth Israel documents the enduring presence of Jewish immigrant families who helped build Austin's commercial and civic life from the Gilded Age forward.
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Related people
- · Henry Hirschfeld
- · Phineas de Cordova
- · Joe Koen
Themes & tags
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