Congregation B'nai Israel (Pittsburgh, Pa.)

As Jewish people moved into the East End neighborhoods of Pittsburgh, groups began holding Sabbath services in homes. One group took the name B'nai Israel and as attendance increased rented larger sapces. B'nai Israel was chartered as a congregation in 1911. Women of the congregation formed a sisterhood in 1912 and through this organization began the youth education programs. Sisterhood eventually affiliated with the national organization of the Women's League for Conservative Judaism and began to be known by that name. In 1920, members had raised funds for the purchase of land with two existitng structures at 327 Negley Avenue. Construction of a sanctuary, designed by the architect Henry Hornbostel began in 1922. The congregation's growth in membership peaked in the early 1950s and by the 1970s growth in membership had ceased. Faced with declining membership, in 1995, the members of B'nai Israel voted to merge with Congregation Beth Jacob of New Kensington, Pennsylvania, found Adat Shalom Congregation, and relocate to Fox Chapel, Pennsylvania. A closing ceremony was held at the B'nai Israel synagogue the weekend of June 30, 1996.

From the description of Congregation B'nai Israel oversize records 1951-1995 [oversize records] (Historical Society of W Pennsylvania). WorldCat record id: 252225335

From the description of Congregation B'nai Israel photographs 1905-2001 [manuscript] (Historical Society of W Pennsylvania). WorldCat record id: 252094660

From the description of Congregation B'nai Israel photographs 1920-1992 [photographs] (Historical Society of W Pennsylvania). WorldCat record id: 228505881