Congregation History
Beth Shalom has flourished since its humble beginnings in May of 1983. It was determined that there was enough interest to form a Cary-based group to celebrate Jewish life. A small group of Cary residents held a series of informational and organizational meetings. Our first ritual events were monthly Havdalah services in Umstead Park. As our group grew, we realized that not only did we have approximately a dozen Sunday school age children, but we also had two adults who were willing and capable of teaching these children Hebrew, Bible, History, Midrash and holidays.
In our infancy, being part of the Cary Jewish Community Center (our first name choice) was a nomadic experience. Fortunately, the Cary community was supportive of our group without a building. Over the next years, we accepted the hospitality of a number of churches in order to hold services. Our Sunday school was also quite mobile.
The lack of a building did not hinder us from celebrating Jewish holidays. We shared dairy potluck meals in a backyard sukkah, enjoyed congregational Seders, prepared latkes for Hanukkah, planted trees in a number of Cary's parks for Tu B'shevat, read the Megillah and produced a play for Purim and picnicked for Lag B'Omer. In 1988, we took a giant step forward when were able to obtain a portable Ark (still in use today at High Holiday services) and we arranged to borrow a Torah from Temple Israel in Charlotte. Shortly thereafter, we joined the Union of American Hebrew Congregations. Then, we contracted with our first student Rabbi.
Gratefully, our pioneering days became history. We only need to look at our Rabbi, our building (occupied since 2000), the professional staff, membership growth and a calendar full of events to appreciate the gains we have made over the past decades.
Even as we reflect on our history, we must look forward. We currently have plans for building expansion including a formal sanctuary, social hall and additional classrooms. You are invited to be part of Beth Shalom’s future.