Beth Israel Congregation

Originally founded in 1925 on Salisbury’s Main Street as Kahelas Israel Congregation, Beth Israel is the only conservative congregation on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. At the time, only nine Jewish families were present in the Salisbury area and the number of families remain few. Despite this and several migrations from building to building, the synagogue has survived as a safe space for Salisbury’s Jewish population as well as an opportunity to educate non-Jewish residents about Jews. In a smaller town where most residents do not come into contact with Jews on a day to day basis, the congregation’s commitment to educating Salisbury about the Jewish faith is important in dispelling misconceptions about Judaism.
In 1951, the congregation moved to its current location on Camden Avenue where it continues to educate and serve the community.