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Article: Synagogue Beth El celebrates 50 years
- Article from:
- Deerfield Review (IL)
- Article date:
- October 23, 1997
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright 1997, Deerfield Review, Pioneer Press. All rights reserved. REPRODUCTION PROHIBITED. (Hide copyright information)
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In 1944, Glencoe resident Benjamin Harris wrote a letter to a few of his friends.
It asked if they would be interested in starting a Conservative congregation on the North Shore. Sixteen families responded.
From that seed sprung North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, which embarked on its 50th year with the blowing of the shofar at the conclusion of Yom Kippur.
Today, even after several building additions, the synagogue at 1175 Sheridan Road, its address since 1948, has yet to stop growing.
From its modest beginnings, its membership has climbed to about 1,100.
Whereas many congregations in Chicago have a declining enrollment, North Suburban thrives.
In the opinion of Rabbi Vernon Kurtz, the ...