Where is Beth Israel Synagogue located?

Beth Israel Synagogue is located at 401 Scott Street, Beaufort.

When was Beth Israel Synagogue founded?

The synagogue was founded in 1905 and officially opened for services in 1908 after three years of construction.

What is the significance of the Star of David on the synagogue?

The Star of David marks the entrance above the front doors instead of a cross, indicating its Jewish heritage.

What type of Jewish denomination is the synagogue?

The synagogue is described as a conservative denomination rather than orthodox or reform.

How many families are part of the congregation?

The congregation consists of approximately 85 families.

What events are scheduled for the anniversary celebration?

The anniversary celebration will include a two-part program titled L’Dor V’Dor, with discussions about the founding families and the current state of the Jewish community.

October 25, 2025

Beaufort Celebrates 120 Years of Jewish Heritage at Synagogue

Beaufort, October 25, 2025

News Summary

Beth Israel Synagogue in Beaufort marks its 120th anniversary with special events reflecting on its rich history and Jewish heritage. The anniversary celebrations, including a two-part program titled L’Dor V’Dor, will join current and past congregants to honor the founding families and discuss the current state of the Jewish community in South Carolina. With a long history of service and a growing congregation, the synagogue remains a vibrant center for Jewish life in the area.

Beaufort Celebrates 120 Years of Jewish Heritage at Beth Israel Synagogue

Beaufort is celebrating the 120th anniversary of the Beth Israel Synagogue, located at 401 Scott Street, which has continuously held weekly services since its official opening in 1908. The synagogue, a white wooden building resembling a Christian church with its pitched roof and red brick steps, features a distinctive Star of David above its entrance instead of a cross, symbolizing its Jewish heritage. This milestone event is expected to bring the congregation, comprised of approximately 85 families, together for a series of celebratory activities.

The synagogue’s history dates back to 1905, when it was founded by Jewish immigrants primarily from Eastern Europe and Russia, who were fleeing from violent pogroms. Its construction took three years, aiming to blend into the Bible Belt’s religious landscape. The synagogue is noted as a conservative denomination and has retained connections with its roots, as several current members are descendants of the founding families including the Levin, Keyserling, Mark, Schein, and Lipsitz families.

As part of the celebration, a special two-part program titled L’Dor V’Dor, or “generation to generation,” is planned. On Friday, October 24, Linda Neidich Hoffman will speak about the five founding families while historian Larry Rowland discusses the history of the Jewish community. Heavy appetizers and desserts will be served during this event.

The following day, Saturday, October 25, Tair Giudice from the Charleston Jewish Federation will address the current state of the Jewish community in South Carolina. Lunch will be provided, and services will commence at 10 a.m. that day. The congregation has recently seen a resurgence in attendance, with regular participation rising to approximately 15-20 attendees compared to just a handful five years ago. This includes notable events such as a baby naming ceremony in 2023 and a planned bar mitzvah in 2025.

Rabbi Stephen Stern serves as the part-time rabbi for the synagogue and oversees regular Shabbat services every other Friday evening and Saturday morning. This increasing participation hints at a vibrant and growing community despite past challenges.

The Jewish presence in Beaufort extends back to the mid-1760s, with a continuous community established in the 1780s. One prominent figure in this history is Abe Rudowitz, who immigrated from Odesa, Russia, and sought to establish a store in the area, contributing to the local Jewish heritage.

Upcoming Anniversary Events

Friday, October 24: Linda Neidich Hoffman and historian Larry Rowland will discuss the founding families and Jewish community history. Heavy appetizers and desserts will be served.
Saturday, October 25: Tair Giudice will speak about the current state of the Jewish community in South Carolina. Lunch will be provided, and services start at 10 a.m.

Conclusion

Beth Israel Synagogue’s 120-year anniversary not only marks a significant milestone for the congregation but also highlights its resilience and ongoing tradition within the Beaufort community. As the synagogue continues to adapt and grow, it remains a cornerstone of Jewish heritage in the region.

FAQ

Where is Beth Israel Synagogue located?: Beth Israel Synagogue is located at 401 Scott Street, Beaufort.
When was Beth Israel Synagogue founded?: The synagogue was founded in 1905 and officially opened for services in 1908 after three years of construction.
What is the significance of the Star of David on the synagogue?: The Star of David marks the entrance above the front doors instead of a cross, indicating its Jewish heritage.
What type of Jewish denomination is the synagogue?: The synagogue is described as a conservative denomination rather than orthodox or reform.
How many families are part of the congregation?: The congregation consists of approximately 85 families.
What events are scheduled for the anniversary celebration?: The anniversary celebration will include a two-part program titled L’Dor V’Dor, with discussions about the founding families and the current state of the Jewish community.

Key Features of Beth Israel Synagogue

Feature	Details
Location	401 Scott Street, Beaufort
Founded	1905 (opened 1908)
Denomination	Conservative
Current Members	Approximately 85 families
Historic Significance	Continuous weekly services since opening
Celebration Dates	October 24-25, 2023

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Beaufort Celebrates 115 Years of Jewish Community with Events

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

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