Beaufort’s Beth Israel is celebrating 120 years this weekend and the public is invited
The public is invited to two events this weekend that will celebrate the Jewish community’s deep roots in Beaufort.
Local Jewish families received a charter from the state of South Carolina in 1905, which allowed the construction of the Beth Israel Synagogue at 401 Scott St. The temple was completed in 1908 and still stands today. A part-time rabbi continues to lead the congregation of 85 families in worship services every other Friday and Saturday.
The anniversary of the synagogue’s founding will be celebrated with a two-part program called L’Dor V’Dor, or “generation to generation,” this weekend, on Friday and Saturday.
At 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 24, Linda Neidich Hoffman of the Beaufort County Historical Society, and a member of the congregation at Beth Israel, will speak about the five families that asked for the charter: Lipsitz, Schein, Mark, Levin and Keyserling. Larry Rowland, professor emeritus at the University of South Carolina Beaufort, will also discuss the history of the Jewish community in the area. Heavy appetizers and desserts will be served.
On Saturday, Oct. 25, Tair Giudice, CEO of the Charleston Jewish Federation, will give a talk at noon titled, “Where are we now?” which will focus on the state of the Jewish community in South Carolina. Lunch will be provided. Services start at 10 a.m.
