​Congregation Beth Israel

T
R
A
V
I
S

C
O
U
N
T
Y

Marker No: 14963

Aluminum 18 x 28 Subject Marker

Geographic: ​30° 18.505′ N, 97° 44.852′ W

Location: 3901 Shoal Creek Boulevard, Austin 

Marker Text: ​ This congregation was organized in 1876 by about 30 charter members led by noted businessman Henry Hirschfeld and newspaper publisher Phineas de Cordova. In 1877 Beth Israel purchased a lot at 11th and San Jacinto Streets where the first synagogue was erected in 1884. Joe Koen began a 45-year term as president in 1889. The congregation bought land at Shoal Creek Blvd. and 38th Street in 1953; administration and school buildings were erected in 1957. A sanctuary was completed in 1967. A sanctuary was completed in 1967. Beth Israel continues to serve as a focal point for Austin's Jewish community. (1994)