Our History
Temple Beth-El was founded in 1874 by a small group of German Jewish immigrants who sought to build a Jewish spiritual home in San Antonio. As one of the oldest Reform congregations in Texas, Temple Beth-El quickly became a cornerstone of Jewish life in the region. Services were originally held in homes and rented spaces before the congregation built its first permanent synagogue in 1876. From its earliest days, Temple Beth-El reflected the values of Reform Judaism—emphasizing inclusivity, ethical living, and a strong connection to both Jewish tradition and modern life.
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As Temple Beth-El celebrated its 150th anniversary last year, we reflected on a proud legacy that serves as a living bridge between our rich history and a vibrant future. We remain forward-looking—welcoming new members, embracing innovation, and responding to the evolving needs of the Jewish community and the broader San Antonio region. With a strong foundation and a bold vision, Temple Beth-El continues to thrive as a dynamic and enduring presence in Reform Jewish life in South Texas.
1850's
1850: A permanent Jewish community was formed in San Antonio.
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1855: San Antonio Jews bought land for a cemetery, founding the Hebrew Benevolent Society the following year.
1860's
1865: Mayer and Solomon Halff move to San Antonio and open a large dry goods operation. These brothers would go on to become 2 of the founding members of Temple Beth El.
1870's
1870: The Ladies Hebrew Benevolent Society is formed.
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1872: San Antonio Jews meet informally for prayer at Ruellman Hall.
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1874: Temple Beth El is founded by 44 members at Odd Fellows Hall.
1880's
1880: Mass immigration of Central and Eastern European Jews into San Antonio was taking place.
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1881: A two-day Religious School is established (Shabbat and Sunday).
1890's
1897: TBE hires Rabbi Samuel Marks, who helped lead the congregation through a period of tremendous growth. Rabbi Marks continued to serve for 23 years.
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1897: The cities first Zionist Organization is formed.
1900's
1903: TBE gets a new home, as the congregation had outgrown the first building.
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1907: Beth-El has 120 members, up from just 33 members 20 years prior.
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1907: Council of Jewish Women is formed and the majority of the early members were from Temple Beth El.
1910's
1915: San Antonio Jews founded a chapter of the Labor Zionist group Poale Zion.
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1917: A new chapter of Haddassah is formed.
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1918: Rabbi Marks draws ire from the Temple Board for speaking out against prohibition in the local newspaper.
1920's
1923: Ephraim Frisch became Beth-El’s rabbi in 1923, leading the congregation for the next two decades.
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1924: By 1924, Beth-El, with over 300 member families, had outgrown its temple, and began to raise money for a new building.
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1927: Dedicated in 1927, Beth El’s new (and current) synagogue could seat over 1200 people in its sanctuary.
1930's
1930: The Temple’s Passover service is broadcast on WOAI Radio.
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Sunday School Enrollment is at 210.
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1938: Dr. David Jacobson is hired as an Associate Rabbi.
1940's
1942: Rabbi Frisch retires and Rabbi Jacobson takes the helm. Rabbi Jacobson would lead TBE until 1976.
Under Rabbi Jacobson’s leadership, Beth-El moved away from classical Reform Judaism, embracing such traditions as Hebrew instruction and the bar mitzvah.
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1945: Membership is at 599 members.
1950's
1950: Rabbi Jacobson used his prestige and moral authority to assure a peaceful desegregation of San Antonio during the civil-rights struggle of the 1950s.
TBE provided meeting facilities for such groups as the Hebrew Community Center, Council of Jewish Women, Hadassah, B’nai B’rith, USO-JWB, and more.
1960's
1961: The new Henry and Hattie Kempner Oppenheimer Memorial Chapel is dedicated.
Rabbi Jacobson was a persistent advocate of racial desegregation throughout the city.
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Jesse Wulfe was drafted to be the Temple’s Head Usher, a position he held among many others at Temple, for over 40 years.
1970's
1976: Rabbi Jacobson retires.
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1976: Rabbi Samuel Stahl takes the helm, and would go on to lead the congregation for 26 years.
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1979: Rabbi Melanie Aron, the first female Rabbi to work in Texas, was the rabbinical intern for Temple Beth-El in 1979.
1980's
1984: The Jewish community in San Antonio grows to 9000 people.
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Major renovations to the Temple were accomplished, including the addition of the Barshop Auditorium.
1990's
1992: Rabbi Barry Block begins service to the congregation.
Rabbi Stahl was deeply committed to enhancing interfaith relations. He is the first Jewish leader to receive religious leadership awards from the Texas Conference of Churches and the San Antonio Community of Churches.
2000's
2002: Rabbi Block assumes the position of head Rabbi and was known for his interfaith advocacy and promotion of immigration and LGBT+ rights.
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2009: Temple Beth-El received the Irving J. Fain Award for Social Action from the Religious Action Center for our “Darfur Calls” program.
2010's
2014: Rabbi Mara Nathan takes on the role of Senior Rabbi. She is the first woman to serve as senior Rabbi of a major congregation in the State of Texas.
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2017: TBE holds an interfaith community candlelight vigil in response to the violence in Charlottesville wherein the vigil’s attendance exceeded capacity.
2019: Temple Beth-El received the Union for Reform Judaism’s Belin Award for Audacious Hospitality for our NEFESH program. Additionally, Temple Beth-El joined the Religious Action Center Brit Olam – Covenant of the World.
2020's
2023: Temple Beth-El’s bylaws were updated and the Board of Trustees adopted our inaugural Code of Ethics.
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Temple Beth-El has transitioned the ACT Committee into Beyond the Dome, a year-long educational series for the congregation.
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Our congregation today houses more than 800 member families.