The new century came with a series of challenges, not only for the world, but also for Beth El. Rabbi Scheindlin departed in the summer of 2000 and Beth El was once again without a spiritual leader. Beth El also had to look at the harsh reality of the fact that the capital campaign begun in 1996 had fallen short of its goal to provide a financial cushion for the synagogue. Furthermore, without a rabbi, the prospect of having new members join seemed poor. In a bold, but ultimately wise move, Michael Syme agreed to remain president for another term, something that had never happened before. With his guidance, the synagogue hired Rabbi Alexander Greenbaum as its new spiritual leader. Rabbi Alex, as he is fondly referred to, is married to Rabbi Amy Greenbaum, who also contributes significantly to Beth El, most recently agreeing to serve as interim Education Director. The congregation celebrated the arrival of the Greenbaums on November 16, 2002 with an Installation Shabbat.

The Beth El of the new millennium boasts a modern facility with adequate space to provide for the needs of its diverse congregants. The main sanctuary, which seats 400 can easily be expanded for the High Holidays to seat 1000. The difference between this expansion and that of the old Sufrin Family Sanctuary is that all congregants have a good view of the bima and face the Torah when it is being read. New acoustics, access for the physically disabled, handicap parking, a new large cloak room, and a new social hall all greet the visitor to Beth El. A refurbished kitchen includes a wall of cabinets custom built by Dr. Richard Daffner and his work crew.

As the congregation continues to grow, so do the demands on the physical plant. Thanks to an active Men’s Club as well as to the House and Grounds Committee, volunteers provide much of the needed maintenance. Beth El has been fortunate over the years to have the commitment of members such as Herman Bertenthal, Leslie Clifford, Marvin Liebson, Ira Ungar, and Dick Daffner who have spent countless hours dealing with routine and emergency matters.

On the ritual observance level, Beth El thrives, offering twice daily minyanim Shabbat and holiday services, and junior congregation services. A dependable corps of Torah readers as well as lay prayer leaders conduct services. Younger children in the primary grades enjoy “Saturday Morning Live” services, while the innovative Shabbat morning “Tot Shabbat” caters to preschoolers. The popular Friday evening Family service held monthly focuses on the enlightenment of children. Beth El extends holiday celebrations with special events, such as Shabbat dinners, Hanukkah dinner, Purim Carnival, and second night Pesach Seder.  

Special interest and social groups abound to satisfy the needs of men, women, couples, singles, and seniors alike. Beth El Congregation is active in the community, demonstrating both Jewish and inter-faith affiliation. Beth El provided volunteers to staff the rescue shelters during the 2004 floods that devastated parts of the South Hills. The Beth El Men’s club also has an active schedule of activities that include brunches, pasta fest, poker nights, family picnic, and the Beth El Stock Challenge, a fundraiser. Other major fundraising projects include the Art Auction, Bingo, Dream Auction, Pancake Festival, and the Giving Tree donated by James and Cheryl Snyder in 1991 to help Beth El provide its extensive services. The official bulletin of the synagogue, the Kol, is published monthly and sent to all congregants.  

Beth El’s children remain a key part of our congregation, as they did in 1917. Beth El Nursery School (BENS) recognizes and values the individuality of each child while fostering awareness of Jewish culture and traditions. The preschool received accreditation from the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs, a status enjoyed by few nursery schools in Pittsburgh. Under the guidance of Linda Hewitt, who succeeded Georgia Hernandez as director in 2003, BENS has prospered and continued to grow. The Sadie and Herman Spiegel Religious School exceeds the standards set by the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. The faculty teaches 300 children from kindergarten through post-b’nai mitzvah age in Jewish academia. Adult education proves no less valuable with courses ranging from beginning Hebrew through Talmud, Beth El Studies Torah (BEST) weekend, and Torah Weekend. This last event started in the 1960's, as the Ira R. Messer Memorial Lecture Series is an annual event shared by Beth El and Temple Emanuel and brings in Jewish scholars and academics for a series of lectures. 

Beth El has also become a repository of artifacts from other synagogues that no longer exist. The Lazar Balk Chapel contains the original Ark and stained glass windows from the Beechview synagogue. The pews in the chapel are from Tree of Life Synagogue in Monongahela, PA. Memorial plaques from Ohave Israel in Brownsville, PA line the walls of the Balk Chapel. There are two stained glass windows on either side of the bima of the new sanctuary. They were obtained from the structure once housing Temple Rodef Shalom, in Charleroi, PA. The windows date back to 1925. 

For nearly a century, Beth El Congregation has created and comforted, evoked and edified, consecrated and commanded. One can only conjecture as to the joy this course of events would have brought Rebecca Ruderman. A glance at the present reveals a house of worship that has faithfully preserved the ideas of its founders while welcoming innovation. In the 1978 Dedication Journal, Rabbi Stephen Steindel alluded to the biblical source of the words “Beth El.” He vividly recounted the passage in which Jacob, solitary and destitute slept on rocky earth. Yet he dreamed of a ladder ascending from earth to heaven where the Lord promised to protect him always. Once awake, Jacob proclaimed the harsh stretch of land to be “none other than the House of G-d,” Beth El. 

Whether one’s personal association with Beth El Congregation of the South Hills spans a mere passing of days or generation upon generation, may each member be touched by the commitment of the past, the strength of the present, and the promise of the future. Above all, let Beth el stand ever mindful of its name, and shelter each who enters its gates as a true House of G-d. 

It is only fitting that we close our brief history of Beth El with a quote from the program booklet for the congregational Annual Dinner and Dance, May 25, 1945 (remember, the world was still at war): 

“The Beth El Congregation can take its place among the synagogues of Pittsburgh and be proud of its many achievements, but we most not lose sight of the fact that only through the continued blessing of G-d, have we been able to carry on. May He always pour out a blessing upon us, so that we may go forward, and the seed planted by our women, continue to multiply.”

“Achievement is a pleasant thing
But there is no end to conquering
And wise mensee, that what is done, however fair,
Cannot in any compare, with what is yet to be:
And wise men’s thoughts are ever turned
On secrets that are yet unlearned.”  

How true those words ring fifty years later. 

Richard H. Daffner, M.D.,F.A.C.R.
October 2005 / Tishri 5706  

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