1947: A New Reform Community Emerges
In 1947, a small but devoted group of families established the Old York Road Jewish Community Center in Willow Grove. That same year, we became the first Reform synagogue in Montgomery County to affiliate with the Union of American Hebrew Congregations (now the Union for Reform Judaism).
Our first High Holy Day services were held at the Abington YMCA. Rabbi Myron Weingarten led our newly formed religious school of twenty students, and Dr. Nathan Shank served as our first President. In 1948, Rabbi Jay Kaufman joined us and officiated our first Confirmation Service.
1950s: A New Home and Lasting Leadership
We acquired our permanent home on Noble Hill in 1950 and changed our name to Old York Road Temple. Rabbi Norbert Rosenthal guided us during this transition.
Rabbi Harold B. Waintrup joined our community in 1951, and over the next 40 years, became a highly respected and beloved spiritual leader. During this time, we constructed the Strick Auditorium, which served as both sanctuary and school. In 1959, we added “Beth Am – House of the People” to our name, reflecting our expanding spirit.
1960s - 1970s: Building Community
A new vision for sacred space took shape under architect Vincent Kling, culminating in the dedication of Molish Sanctuary in 1975. Beth Am became well known for its inclusive worship, community outreach, and strong educational programs.
1980s - 1990s: Growth and Enrichment
- 1980: Marcia Goldman began a 25-year tenure as Executive Director.
- 1985: Cantor Elena Zarkh arrived from St. Petersburg, Russia, joined our congregation, introducing musical Shabbat services and forming beloved volunteer choirs and bands for all ages.
- 1989: Rabbi Robert S. Leib, from Cape Town, South Africa, joined us as Associate Rabbi and became our Senior Rabbi in 1994. He expanded our family and children’s services, strengthened adult learning, and helped shape Beth Am as a Caring Community.
2000s: A New Era
Renovations to the Molish Sanctuary in the early 2000s made our sacred space fully accessible to all. In 2004, we joyfully welcomed members of Temple Beth Torah to our congregational family, uniting decades of Reform Jewish tradition. Sherrie Turetsky led the transition of the Temple Beth Torah School of Early Learning to Beth Am, making it possible for us to finally fulfill our longtime dream of establishing our own early childhood center.
Leadership continued to evolve, with Karen Kantor serving as Executive Director from 2005 to 2019. She has been succeeded by Sherrie Turetsky, who brought her passion for education and community building to the role.
Today: Honoring Our Past, Embracing Our Future
With over 518 families and growing, we continue to offer diverse religious, cultural, educational, and social programs. We are proud to be an inclusive congregation, a spiritual home where differences are welcomed and everyone has a place.
Our story began with vision and purpose. That story continues—with you.
