In the early 1950s, a group of Holocaust survivors who made it to Phoenix joined together to form a traditional Jewish synagogue. They built a simple but beautiful house of worship a few blocks southeast of Phoenix' 1st successful permanent synagogue. They called their synagogue Beit Evree or Beth Hebrew. Within a few years, though, their traditionalism evolved into a minhag of conservative Judaism.

The 1st successful permanent conservative synagogue in Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona previously in 1931 had been created by a group who constituted themselves as Beth El Congregation. Many years later, in 1984, the nascent conservative synagogue, Beth Hebrew, merged into and joined with Beth El.

Number 1 Beth El Congregation 1951 - 1968 Beth El Congregation is Phoenix' 1st successful, permanently established conservative synagogue (and 2nd successful, permanently established synagogue of any denomination). It's formally affiliated with the conservative movement. This building was built new from the ground up by Beth El members. It was Beth El Congregation's 2nd site and served the congregation from 1951 to 1968. As can be seen, it's now a pawn shop. Beth El's 1st building, which served from 1931 to 1951, no longer exists. After 1968, Beth El moved to Glendale Avenue. Beth El (3rd location) 1968 - present day Beth El Congregation This is the 3rd location of Beth El, a large egalitarian conservative synagogue. Inside, the building's main worship space contains expansive semi-circular amphitheater seating. It welcomes a congregation with a balanced population mix of 50% older folks and 50% younger members including children. It's a beautiful if formal setting for Jewish prayer. Services are followed by a sit-down kiddish in an equally impressive ballroom. Longest serving rabbi: Rabbi Herbert Silberman, 18 years, 1977 - 1995.

Number 2 Har Zion Congregation A beautiful conservative synagogue with a guest reform congregation. A once traditional conservative synagogue, on the precipice of change. In early summer, 2014, a change occurred: Har Zion merged with Or Chadash to become Or Tzion. Har Zion Congregation, nka Congregation Or Tzion, in North Scottsdale. Founded in 1960, Har Zion was both traditional and innovative. It was formally affiliated with the conservative movement. Longest serving rabbi: Rabbi Mark Bisman, 29 years, 1983 - 2012. Achievement: In 2003, Har Zion's religious school achieved the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism's Framework for Excellence Certification.

Number 3 Or Chadash An egalitarian conservative synagogue in North Scottsdale. An energetic rabbi and a beautifully voiced cantor lead this devoted conservative congregation. In early summer, 2014, a change occurred: Or Chadash merged with Har Zion to become Or Tzion. Congregation Or Hadash, nka Congregation Or Tzion, in North Scottsdale. Founded in 2002, this synagogue calls itself a joyful conservative Jewish presence. It's formally affiliated with the conservative movement. Longest serving rabbis, a tie: Rabbi Robin Damsky, 3.5 years, 2006 - 2010 AND Rabbi Micah Caplan, 3.5 years, 2010 - 2013.

Number 4 The New Shul A Carlbach nusach, conservadox, independent (not formally affiliated with the conservative movement), and vibrant synagogue. Two amazing rabbis lead an enthusiastic very active membership-based shul. A great mix of families with children and single folks combine conservative Jewish interpretations of halacha with Chassidic-style davening. The New Shul in North Scottsdale. Founded in 2002, this synagogue includes many energetic community members sharing modernity well-footed upon a traditional foundation. Longest serving rabbis, a husband and wife team: Rabbi Michael Wasserman and Rabbi Elana Kanter, 11 years, 2002 - 2013. Members and/or additional clergy of note: Gabbaim Stacy Andrews and Dr. Alan Singer.

Number 5 Temple Beth Emeth A conservative synagogue just south of Old Scottsdale. It appears to be formally affiliated with the conservative movement. It's an active small shul within walking distance of the residences and shops in the center of Scottsdale, about a mile south of the intersection of Scottsdale Road and Camelback. Temple Beth Emeth. Founded in 1983, this synagogue describes itself as hamish, egalitarian, and traditional.

Additional Links to Jewish Phoenix and Scottsdale

• Mayor Phil Gordon, the 3rd Jewish mayor of Phoenix, AZ (2004-2012), voted the Best Mayor in North America of 2008
  

  
  

• Rabbi Albert Plotkin, the long serving rabbi of Beth Israel Temple (1950s-1990s), labeled by some as the Rabbi of the City of Phoenix
  

  
  

• Steven Spielberg, the Phoenix teenager who became one of America's and the world's best film makers
  

  
  

• The Korricks and The Diamonds, Phoenix' Jewish Merchant Princes
  

  
  

• Rosenzweig: from their small jewelry store arose major Phoenix development and philanthropy
  

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Have you clicked on these other, on-line selections from Michael Alan Ross' new, The Ten Commandments Guidebook? The original humorous satirical song lyrics, Please Keep Us Wealthy, considering the 8th Commandment, Don't steal! The original song, Try to Smile and Love Your Neighbor, considering what Mr. Ross labels the 11th Commandment, Love your neighbor as yourself! The original historical poem, Zionists, considering the 10th Commandment, Don't Covet! The original Walter Mittyish style daydream, Dance before God, considering the 2nd Commandment, Have one God only! The original mystical, kabbalah vision-type, poem, Commit, considering the 1st Commandment, Recognize God/Goodness! The original, poetic blessing, for oneness, In Awe, considering the 1st Commandment, Appreciate God/Goodness! The original exhortatory poem, From Atonement to Good Deeds, considering the 7th Commandment, No adultery.

Links to Boston and New England

• Walk or bike ride with BostonWalks and explore the neighborhoods adjacent to the Charles River
  

• For 10 great places to walk with water views in Boston,
  click on this walking smiling face
  
  

• BostonWalks' The Jewish Friendship Trail - Boston's West and North Ends
  

• BostonWalks' The Jewish Friendship Trail - Boston's South End
  

• BostonWalks' The Jewish Friendship Trail - Brookline
  

• BostonWalks' The Jewish Friendship Trail - Cambridge
  

• Within walking Distance - Houses of Worship In and Around Boston-Brookline-Cambridge, Massachusetts USA
  

• Ten Reasons for Seatbelts on Schoolbuses
  

• Ten Reasons for More Bicycle Trails
  

Copyright © Michael Alan Ross, 2013-2018. All Rights Reserved.
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Table of Contents of Boston Walks The Jewish Friendship Trail ZIONISTS WOMEN WATERTOWN,NEWTOWNE,MUDDY RIVER UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE INSURANCE THE 10 COMMANDMENTS TEN THE TEN COMMANDMENTS GUIDEBOOK ORDER FORM SPIRITUALLY SHUSHAN SHULS OF BOSTON'S WEST END SHULS OF BOSTONS'S NORTH END SHEAYLOT SEATBELTS FOR SCHOOLBUSES SAUCYWALKS RHODE ISLAND WALKS RETAILERS A RED, WHITE & BLUE AGENDA PORTLAND, MAINE JEWISH SITES POLITICAL MENSCH STANDARDS 2 POLITICAL MENSCH STANDARDS 1 PATRIOT LEDGER ARTICLE CAR CRASH NEW YORK CITY UPPER WEST SIDE JEWISH SITES NEAR WATER BOSTON WALKS MIDDLE CLASS CITY LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR LIBERTY AND DEMOCRACY LAUGH LASHON HATZLACHA KEEP US WEALTHY THE JEWISH FRIENDSHIP TRAIL GUIDEBOOK ORDER FORM CAMBRIDGE MA JEWISH SITES JEWISH BOOKS BOSTON'S WEST & NORTH ENDS JEWISH SITES BOSTON'S SOUTH END JEWISH SITES OVERVIEW OF THE JEWISH FRIENDSHIP TRAIL THIS WEBSITE: BOSTONWALKS IN AWE HUMOR BOSTON HOUSES OF WORSHIP HEALTHY HOPITALS FILENE 10 WAYS THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION CAN CHANGE AMERICA DANCE BEFORE GOD CONSERVATIVE JEWISH COMMIT CLUBS CAPITALIST COMMANDS BROOKLINE MA JEWISH SITES Brooklyn NY BRANDEIS THE BOSTON GLOBE ARTICLE BOSTON'S BEST BIKE TRAILS ATONEMENT TO DEEDS ANTI-SEMITE ANI MAAMIN PHOENIX SCOTTSDALE, AZ