[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 138 (Wednesday, October 13, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S12561]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CELEBRATING THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF KAHAL KADOSH BETH ELOHIM

 Mr. HOLLINGS. Mr. President, it is a pleasure for me to 
recognize today the congregation of Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim in 
Charleston, S.C. as it celebrates its 250th anniversary on October 23 
1999.
  Beth Elohim is the fourth oldest Jewish congregation in the United 
States. The congregation still worships in a synagogue built in 1840-41 
in the Greek Revival style, making it the oldest synagogue in 
continuous use in the United States. In 1980, the building was 
designated a National Historic Landmark.
  Jewish settlers arrived in Charleston as early as 1695 and by 1749 
were numerous enough to organize the present congregation of Beth 
Elohim, then known as Holy Congregational House of God. These settlers 
were attracted by South Carolina's civil and religious liberty as well 
as the economic opportunities the colony offered. In 1792, construction 
of the synagogue began. The structure stood until being destroyed in 
the Charleston fire of 1838. The visiting General Marquis de Lafayette 
observed the original building to be ``spacious and elegant.''
  Beth Elohim also holds the distinction of being the cradle of Reform 
Judaism in the United States. In 1824, a group of progressive members 
of the congregation petitioned for a shortened Hebrew ritual, English 
translation of prayers and a sermon in English. Their petition being 
denied, they decided to organize The Reformed Society of Israelites. It 
was a short-lived society, but when the members returned to the 
congregation at Beth Elohim, their practices and principles influenced 
the worship service there and today still form the basis of Reform 
Judaism. During the construction of the new temple in 1840, an organ 
was installed, encased in mahogany to complement the building's 
interior. Said to have 700 pipes and costing $2,500, the organ provided 
the first instrumental music used in worship in any synagogue in 
America.
  Many members of K.K. Beth Elohim have been distinguished city, state 
and national leaders, including early congregant Moses Lindo, who 
before the Revolution helped to develop the cultivation of indigo. 
Joseph Levy, veteran of the Cherokee War of 1760-61, was probably the 
first Jewish military officer in America. Almost two dozen men of Beth 
Elohim served in the American Revolution, most notably Francis Salvador 
who, as a delegate to the South Carolina Provincial Congresses of 1775-
1776, was one of the first Jews to serve in the American legislature. 
The blind poet Penina Moise was a famous early superintendent of the 
Jewish Sunday School at Beth Elohim.
  Today, Beth Elohim is led by Rabbi Anthony David Holz and Rabbi 
Emeritus William A. Rosenthall. The congregation continues to function 
as a vital part of the Charleston community and deserves many 
congratulations on reaching this milestone--250 years of rich 
history.

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