BETH SHALOM A HOUSE OF PEACE
THE STORY OF THE SYNAGOGUE

Our Torahs, our daily prayers and the teachings of our rabbis emphasize the importance of continually learning, planning and building for tomorrow.

During 90 years of existence, Beth Shalom has fulfilled this obligation in the best traditions of our people. The founders and those who followed have established a strong and vibrant center of study, prayer and culture within our community.

It all began in September of 1917 when thirty five families gathered for prayer in a small room on the second floor of 5802 Forbes Street. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services were conducted in the Orpheum Theatre. Together they planned the formation of a congregation that would uphold the cherished traditions of their people. They were preparing for the anticipated movement of Jews to the "suburb" of Squirrel Hill and wanted to accommodate the many needs of the life style which accompanies such a move. It was a foresighted decision that ultimately resulted in a series of stages of growth of physical facilities as well as the development of a range of services to the community which has enhanced the quality of religious, educational, and communal Jewish life ever since.

In addition to organizing religious services, the Sisterhood Auxiliary was formed in November of 1917. In February of 1919, a Hebrew School for children was organized with classes being held in Colfax School. In July of the same year, the name "Beth Shalom" was adopted and in September on Yom Kippur Day, $15,000 was pledged for the first Building Fund.

On March 18, 1922, ground was broken for a building at the corner of Shady Avenue and Beacon Street. The building housed the religious services, the Hebrew school and community activities, such as bi weekly dances for a Young Folk's

The Congregation continued to grow and in 1932 sponsored the first of many community Passover Seders. A Bar Mitzvah Club was formed in 1942 and in 1950 a Bat Mitzvah Club was formed and joined by eighty girls. A variety of educational opportunities were offered for all ages from nursery school to adult education. Beth Shalom constantly sought, and still seeks, to bring to its members and the community, programs of quality and relevance.

By the time the fiftieth anniversary was celebrated in 1967, it became clear that once more larger facilities were needed and the third major physical expansion was completed in 1970. This is the congregational home which we enjoy today – a large and beautiful sanctuary enhanced by magnificent stained glass windows, a chapel of unique warmth, both an adult and children's library, a spacious and modern school, a youth lounge, a fine gift shop, and last but not least, a magnificent Samuel and Minnie Hyman Ballroom and a fine kosher kitchen.

After the fire of October 1996 we remodeled and expanded our facility with the dedication of our Faye Rubenstein Weiss Sanctuary and the addition of a special preschool wing. We also built our Eisner Commons and Homestead Hebrew Chapel at that time as well as created a resource center for the community with our Stoffman Library and a place for our youth with the addition of the Shear Youth Lounge.

Over the past 90 years, our synagogue has become a gathering place for young and old because we continue to remain responsive to the needs of our congregants and the community. Our sense of responsibility is guided by the religious commandment of Tzedakah and extends to social action programs and social services including support of Israel, help to Russian immigrants, single adults, senior citizens, and exceptional adults. We provide a "home" for our children, from tiny pre schoolers to college students. We serve members with a full life cycle of services all our joys and sorrows are shared within our synagogue.

Little could the "original 35" families have imagined that their modest beginning would lead to the development of a synagogue that has shaped and affected the lives of so many individuals, families and interests in the Jewish community of Pittsburgh. Their highest ideals have been maintained over these many decades.