When Temple Beth El Israel opened its doors on Bethany Drive, St. Lucie West,on December
6, 1998, it already had a history.
The Jewish pioneers to the Fort Pierce area conducted the first High Holy Day Service
in Sept. 1949 in Temple Beth El.
Congregation Beth Israel was organized in March, 1983
These Temples decided to sell their buildings, merge and seek a site to build a new
Temple together.
On December 6, 1998, after some interim time in a shopping area space awaiting completion
of construction of the synagogue, the move was made.
It was a gala day as members carried their Torahs (the Sacred Scrolls) to their new
home. Police escorted the marchers. Music played. Flags were waved. A formal program
preceded fun and food in the social room.
Not many of the present members knew those whose determination, sacrifice and persistence
had made Temple Beth El Israel become a reality.
Thus, on Sunday, January 13, 2002 a Founders Appreciation Celebration and Time Capsule
Service was held. Called "Simcha Shel Avodah", meaning The Joy of Service, the afternoon
focused on the fact that "our Rabbis wrote that the true service is the service
of the heart.
Rabbi Arthur Rutberg, spiritual leader, began, "This is the day that the Lord hath
made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it." He gave thanks for the blessings of the
past and voiced hopes for the future, praying to give those who come after us what
those who came earlier had provided for us.
Ranny Pierce, Temple Vice President accompanied Lorraine Litt who sang "Those Were
the Days" with audience participation.
Special speakers were Max Auerbach and Arthur Rubin of the former Temple Beth El.
"Because of their respect to us, Christian families contributed their help as we
started," Rubin noted.
Horty Selkin told how the Greek Orthodox priest had permitted the first meeting of
Congregation Beth Israel in the Hellenic Center, "Our second home". She praised
current member, Hilda Heitner, for being the first woman to conduct services.
As the present Temple organized, Mike Harowitz became its president. Wilbur Harris
followed him in that office. Steven Westman was named as the first Rabbi of the
merged congregations.
Since that first day, Calvary Worship Center, across the street, has been the Temple's
friend. Pastor Gil Oelfschlager told those attending the celebration, "Whatever
we had that you needed was yours. Over the years, as neighbors, we have shared a
real blessing. Our people love and respect you," he said.
Miriam Cassel, current Temple Beth El Israel President, welcomed the honorees. "They
have left us a wonderful legacy," she said. "We have come a long way in seven years
and have much to be proud of our beautiful building, services, choir, religious
school for our children, adult education, Sisterhood and Men's Club, Shofar newsletter
and a variety of programs. We congratulate our Rabbi who serves as a Chaplain and
has started the St. Lucie West Clergy Council." She remarked "our focus is in new
directions, open to change."The quotation offered was "Days are like scrolls. Write
on them what you wish to remember."
Skip Harris and Sue Klatch, who planned and arranged the entire program, from invitations
to party time, called it "a labor of love". They were applauded for their efforts
in making the event a success.
Everyone proceeded outdoors where Rabbi Rutberg conducted a special service as the
Time Capsule was laid to rest for future generations to discover. After the closing
song by Lorraine Litt, refreshments were served in the social hall.
August 31, 2002. Prior to Selichot Services the crowd gathered to recognize the unveiling
of the marker for the time capsule. Rabbi Rutberg read the appropriate prayers as
President Miriam Cassell unveiled the marker.
