The Jewish community of Shreveport, Louisiana dates back to 1848 but a synagogue was not founded until 1857. Originally named Har-El in 1861, services were conducted by Rabbi Julius Lewin at the home of congregational founder Abraham Winter. In 1866, the congregation obtained a charter changing their name to Hebrew Zion congregation and in 1869 they built their first building, situated near most of Shreveport's churches.
The congregation joined the Union of American Hebrew Congregations in 1908. In 1914 a new building was constructed and a year later the congregation changed its name to B'nai Zion. At this time the rabbi was Moses P. Jacobson.
In 1920 Rabbi Abraham Brill was called to B'nai Zion, retiring in 1942. Brill was replaced by David Lekkowitz, Jr., who had served as Brill's associate for two years. In 1955 a more modern building was constructed. Lefkowitz retired in 1972 and served as Rabbi Emeritus until his death in 1999. As of 2000 B'nai Zion Congregation numbered 300 families and was served by Rabbi Harold L. Robinson.
From the guide to the B'nai Zion Congregation Records, 1940-1981, (The Jacob Rader Marcus Center of the American Jewish Archives)
