Welcome

Our History

Early History

It was a bold idea at the time, but one which was being implemented in other communities throughout the country where Jews, long tied to Orthodox synagogues and traditions, felt that the time had come to adapt religious practices to a changing society.

At the very outset, the founders determined that, in spite of the limited funds available, hiring a full time rabbi was essential-and Rabbi Maurice Lazowick was engaged. A very learned lay member of the Congregation, David Feldman of Westport, was convinced to serve as the temporary cantor; he remained as Baal Koray for over 40 years.

In addition to hiring a rabbi, the Congregation realized early on that a religious school was absolutely vital and, by 1938 (when the 161 members who made up the Conservative Congregation were each assessed $15 for dues), the school was established.

1940s through the 60s

In the early 1940s, Rabbi Benjamin Tumim took over the religious leadership of the Congregation which was meeting at the Norwalk Jewish Center. The young men of the community went off to war while, at home, the philosophy of the synagogue was strengthened and reorganized to conform more closely with the practices and teachings of the Conservative movement.

In the mid to late 1940s, the conservative Congregation also sought to move. A building drive began in 1947 and, after much discussion; the site on East Avenue was purchased. During that same year, Samuel Schwartz was heartily approved as our new rabbi, and we officially changed our name to Congregation Beth El.

On May 9, 1948, five days before the establishment of the State of Israel, ground was broken for the new building.

A year later, the first two wings were dedicated-classrooms for the religious school and an auditorium. Four years later, in 1952, the Sanctuary was erected behind the connecting corridor.

In 1965, women were admitted to the Board of Trustees with full voting privileges. During the ‘60s, other changes took place at Beth El as well. Land was purchased for a Congregational cemetery on Richards Avenue in West Norwalk. Zera Kodesh Congregation became affiliated with Congregation Beth El in a move that consolidated the conservative organizations in Norwalk.

1970s through the 90s

By 1973, along with voting privileges, the United Synagogue decreed that women were given full privileges. Women would now be counted as part of a minyan and could be honored with an aliyah.

In December 1980, Congregation Beth El made history when we hired Cantor Deb­orah Katchko-Zimmerman to be only the second woman cantor in the history of the Conser­vative movement. Soon after Cantor Debbie started, she instituted a new feature at Friday evening services, the once-a-month sing-alongs, regularly attracting over 200 people on a Friday evening.

In 1990, we welcomed Rabbi William Marder as our new spiritual leader. The ‘90s also saw the first woman president of Congregation Beth El, Barbara Hennes, followed by Ellen Wasserman who served three terms as President.

A New Millennium and Beyond

In 2001, Rabbi Joseph Ron Fish was welcomed to our Congregation. His installa­tion was attended by the Mayor, Congressmen, all of the area’s rabbis (representing Ortho­dox, Conservative, and Reform congregations) as well as other dignitaries. The Priestly Blessing was delivered by Rabbi’s father, Rabbi Judah Fish.

The new millennium with our young rabbi has brought a renewed vitality and vigor to our Congregation. We have welcomed many new families which include many young chil­dren. As we watch these children during services and other events, we see our future.

In 2015, Rabbi Ita Paskind became our congregation’s first woman rabbi.  Right from the start, she guided our congregation to fully lay-led high holiday services and has always championed the participation of teen leaders on Shabbat and high holidays. Rabbi Paskind worked with our congregation to stay connected throughout the pandemic and is now focused on helping the community explore this post-Covid world. (read more about Rabbi Paskind).

Since 1934, we have had 42 Congregation Presidents, 8 Rabbis and 7 Cantors-all most able individuals, who have contributed to our illustrious history.