Our Vision
As the only egalitarian Minyan in Akron, we seek to provide a wide range of spiritual, cultural, social, and lifelong learning experiences to all who are looking for a vibrant and inclusive Jewish community.
Growing Jewishly isn’t one size fits all. Our vision explores diverse paths to Jewish learning and community life, taking us both on campus and out into the city of Akron.
Our Story
Beth El Congregation is a descendant of Anshe Emeth Congregation, which was organized before 1918 on South Balch Street. In fact, it was the Anshe Emeth building and property that evolved into the old Akron Jewish Center (now the City of Akron’s Balch Street Fitness Center). By special arrangement after the Center was formed, the congregation continued to hold services in the building.
In 1927, the congregation reorganized as the United Modern Orthodox Congregation.In 1945, the congregation joined the United Synagogue of America and became the first Conservative congregation in the city. Services were held at 369 South Maple Street, on the corner of West Exchange Street. That November, a mail poll was conducted to choose a name, and Beth El was born. Rabbi Reuben M. Katz arrived from Philadelphia to become the new congregation’s first spiritual leader. The first hazzan was Cantor William Glueck, from Cleveland. Beth El’s first president, and one of the leaders in its founding, was Max Schneier.
Groundbreaking for Beth El’s building on South Hawkins Avenue was held on May 8, 1950, with dedication ceremonies in early December, 1951. Beth El spent over 60 years thriving on South Hawkins as a bustling center of Jewish life. A strong USY, a tradition of beautiful synagogue music, and tight-knit communal bonds
made Beth El into a place where families make lifelong Jewish memories (we even have had a minyan (10) of rabbis and cantors grow up in our synagogue)!
In March, 2012, the members of Beth El voted to sell the South Hawkins Avenue property and to relocate to the campus of the Shaw Jewish Community Center. This exciting decision allowed us to focus on sacred community over physical space, and put us on the doorstep of the organized Jewish community in Akron. On July 15 upon the conclusion of the final morning minyan at 464 South Hawkins. our Torahs were marched in a large procession led by musicians, congregants, and well wishers from the community to our new home at 750 White Pond Drive.Many of the beautiful elements from the original building were removed in order to reuse them in the planned remodeling of the auditorium and chapel area. You can watch more in this special video documentary, created to preserve the wonderful sights and sounds from our long time home. (Link to YouTube with documentary).
Now with new clergy, a new home, and a new spirit, 21st century Beth El is an exciting spiritual center for Jews of all different backgrounds across Akron.