Our History

Congregation Beth El began in 1909 when the Hebrew Congregation of Bennington was founded to promote friendly relationships among Jewish residents of the town and eventually to erect a synagogue. July 29, 1923 brought the culmination of a quarter century of concerted effort with the dedication of the new synagogue at the corner of North and Adams Streets. Widely covered by the press, the dedication not only marked the formal opening of a new house of worship but demonstrated the community feeling of the town and state, with those in attendance including the pastors of the local community churches and the Lieutenant Governor.

The community thrived for many years, but by the 1980's the demographics of the community had changed and the synagogue fell into disuse and disrepair. A concerted effort began to rebuild the community and renovate the building, and with the hard work and dedication of a small group, the synagogue again blossomed. The congregation became affiliated with the Jewish Reconstructionist movement and Rabbi Howard Cohen became the community's first full-time rabbi in decades. Rabbi Cohen stepped down after many years and Rabbi Joshua Boettiger joined the community as its spiritual leader, having served earlier as the congregation's first rabbinic intern.

Congregation Beth El is now in its second century serving the community, drawing membership from the Vermont, Massachusetts and New York. The congregation offers a wide range of spiritual and educational programs, including weekly meditation, Shabbat and holiday services, a Judaism school, films and lectures, and teen and adult programs. Our monthly Green Mountain Shabbat offers a variety of classes, worship and programs in Tikkun Olam--"healing the world." Our First Friday events offer musical services for families. Congregation Beth El offers monthly dinners for those in the wider community in need, and is active in the Bennington Interfaith Council, including its work with the Bennington Food and Fuel Fund and the Bennington Free Clinic. An annual retreat and periodic congregation trips to Israel suggest the range of activities, truly remarkable for community so small. We cherish our past and look forward with hope to our future, and thank all whose support and commitment have helped ensure our continued presence.