In May 1945, Shavuot, the
first service was held at the Hotel Ilya on West
Broadway, thanks to Sylvia and Sam Schoenfeld,
who were the initial organizers of the only
Reform Synagogue in Long Beach.
The last temporary home was the
Masonic Temple on West Walnut Street. Rabbi
Gabriel Shulman was the first spiritual leader,
volunteering his services part-time. The
Religious School then had 80 students with a
volunteer staff headed by Principal Herbert
Jacobs, also a volunteer.
Rabbi Bernard Kligfeld became
our Rabbi in August, 1950 and remained for 32
years. In September, 1951, ground-breaking
ceremonies were held for our permanent building
on Neptune Boulevard. In 1955, Cantor Richard
Botton came to us followed by our dear Cantor
Bette Cohen. In 1984 Rabbi Robert Jacobs and
then Rabbi Haskell Bernat, each offered
innovative programming. In 1993, Rabbi Bennett
Hermann became our pulpit leader and a major
force in the Interfaith Community in Long Beach.
We cherish our past, continue
our dedication and look forward to the new
century where Temple will continue to offer
spiritual, intellectual and social involvement
to the Reform Jewish Community in Long
Beach.
