Eighty-three years after the original vote to purchase land for a synagogue, the Board of Trustees for Congregation B’nai Israel voted to initiate a new building for their continually growing Jewish community. As the first Temple of CBI was commenced on June 9,1870, so it happened that on June 9,1954 that CBI – along with the Masonic Grand Lodge of Texas, the local Harmony Club and the local Tucker Lodge – set the cornerstone for the new facility, in an impressive ceremony. This collective involvement was and continues to be indicative of the integrated relationship the Jewish community has with the greater Galveston community.

    The current home for Congregation B’nai Israel – on Avenue O, between 30th and 31st Streets – is a modern house of study, prayer, and community engagement. It was designed by CBI Congregant and Holocaust Survivor Tibor Beerman. Within it, one will discover a large and inspiring sanctuary, which opens up to a magnificent social hall (which is utilized for various congregational functions). In addition, we have a warm and cozy chapel space, for more intimate prayer and life-cycle moments. Our Religious School classrooms as well as our library are WiFi enabled, and contain a vast array of up-to-date materials to inspire learners of all ages.

    This is just a glimpse of what our spiritual home of CBI can provide. We invite you to come by for a visit during one of our events, or contact our office at (409) 765-5796 or e-mail us at info@cbigalveston.org for more information.