Welcome to Congregation Beth Israel,

For those who remember learning about Judaism around a grand oak table in the  balcony choir loft with Julia Yale Weber forever reminding you to speak clearly and louder, you must have grown up at Congregation Beth Israel in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, - and you are blessed with good fortune.

For those whose knowledge about our Congregation is enhanced by reading the translated Minutes from 1849 to 1900, which was made possible because of the dedication and scholarly effort of our members Pearl and Harry Hochstadt, - you are blessed with good fortune.

For those who have been offered and accepted leadership responsibilities of our Congregation, to guide our growth and survival as Jews in a small community that admires and respects us - there have been only ten Congregation presidents since our founding in 1849 - you are blessed with good fortune.

And, likely most of all, as we are the second oldest Congregation in the same place in the United States, and for those who have been with Rabbi Allan L. Smith, our spiritual leader and friend for over thirty amazing and cherished years, - you are blessed with Great Good Fortune.

On behalf of our Congregation of one hundred families, I welcome you.

HENRY M. SKIER
President