A History of Bet Shalom
In May, 1981, when Bet Shalom Congregation was formed, its purpose was to create a small, warm, welcoming reform congregation. Many short-term goals were achieved within a few months. A Religious School, (K-9) began with 50 students. During our first High Holy Day services, when there were 32 families in this congregation, it was announced that Rabbi Norman Cohen had agreed to become Bet Shalom's first rabbi. With his arrival, Bet Shalom could have religious services on a regular basis and rabbinic leadership to help in its foundation and the formulation of its goals and visions. He has remained our spiritual leader ever since.

During our first year, in addition to Shabbat services and Religious School, adult education courses were offered, and our first B'nai Mitzvah were celebrated. By the end of our first annual meeting in May, 1982, Bet Shalom had grown to over 60 families.

Since that time, Bet Shalom has grown rapidly. For four years, we met for services at the Jewish Community Center in St. Louis Park. With a community of about 200 families, our present synagogue building was purchased in July, 1985. As of January, 2001, we have over 650 families in our congregation.

Bet Shalom Historian
The synagogue is looking for volunteers to archive Bet Shalom's historical material. Evelyn Shapiro will head the group as Bet Shalom's historian. The immediate project is to collect, organize, and archive important synagogue documents. Evelyn is in the process of putting together a core team to work on this very important project. Congregants interested in helping are urged to call Evelyn.

Bet Shalom History to be Preserved
Two projects on the history of Bet Shalom are underway. Evelyn Shapiro was recently appointed chair of the congregation’s History Committee. Evelyn will be examining historical materials that have been gathered over the years to make sure they are being properly preserved, and will be charged with forwarding historical materials to the American Jewish Archives and the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest. She will also be in charge of preserving our “future history” by making sure that significant events are documented, photographed and, if appropriate, videotaped.

Our second project, led by Ann Lonstein, is an oral history of Bet Shalom that is being especially created in anticipation of the dedication of our new building. This project needs your input to be successful; please participate. You’ll find details below.

Bet Shalom History - In Our Own Words
On May 18, 1981, a group of 37 people came together at the Lonstein home to form a new Jewish congregation. The first seed had been planted in December 1980, and many meetings had taken place. It was now time to elect a Board, choose a name, and put money down to show commitment to this new enterprise. Now, 22 years later, Bet Shalom enters a new phase in its history by moving into a new building, a new Makom, a new place. To celebrate our past, congregants are invited to tell the history of Bet Shalom in their own words. These words will be compiled in a scroll or book and will become part of the Bet Shalom legacy. We also hope to set up a link on the website. Please follow these steps:

1. Describe what being a member of Bet Shalom means to you. Here are some ideas: a favorite memory, happy or sad; a special occasion; a spiritual moment; an educational moment; or anything else you wish to write.
    
2. Each member of the family can write, or it can be a family project. Young children can draw a picture or dictate their piece.
    
3. Include the date you joined so that we can keep it chronological.
    
4. Please indicate if you have served in a leadership position at Bet Shalom - Board member, committee chair, staff, committee member, Youth Group leader, or any other way you have or are serving Bet Shalom.

Try to keep it to 500 words or less, and send it to me by April 19 via email at aklonstein@yahoo.com or by mail.

If you have any questions, please call or email me. Be a part of history, "In Our Own Words."

Ann Lonstein - History Project

A Family of Friends
Central to the traditions of Reform Judaism is responsible choice. We stress a commitment to study and introspection. Our comprehensive education program begins with preschool, continues through Bar/Bat Mitzvah and Confirmation. It includes a large variety of adult classes. Both adults and children have ample opportunity to learn of our history, culture, tradition and religion. Through this learning process, we are all better able to make responsible choices as Jews in today's society.

Through its commitment to the traditions of Reform Judaism, Bet Shalom is responsive to the needs of contemporary society. Our Social Action Committee offers a means to become involved in the community at large and work toward perfecting the world in which we live. In addition, standing committees and special projects offer a variety of ways to become active in day-to-day life at Bet Shalom.

Ritual observance is a means of religious expression, which touches each of us in a unique way. We encourage all to participate as fully as possible in religious services. From the sanctity of the Sabbath and Yom Kippur, to the festivity of Purim and Passover, Bet Shalom offers a place of worship and a community of sharing. Our prayer book offers a guide through a variety of approaches to our faith, which is in keeping with the Reform ideal: exploration of the human condition and our people's relationship with God.

Bet Shalom is still an intimate congregation in many respects. This allows us the special opportunity to know each other and to participate in Jewish life in our homes, the congregation, and the community at large. We encourage you to join us for our worship services and our community activities, share with us our commitment to our faith and to community.