In the late 1950s a group of Jewish families began to meet at the old Hillel building at Indiana University for Shabbat services, and formed a religious school that met at people’s homes. In 1965, they established the Bloomington Jewish Community, and in 1971, a modest synagogue building was dedicated on our present site. Twelve years later, this first building was destroyed in an arson fire. We redoubled our efforts to establish a strong and vibrant Jewish center, adding our present sanctuary when we re-built. Continued growth brought the engagement of full-time rabbinic services, a building expansion, and the establishment of a preschool.

Today, Beth Shalom has more than 200 member households, and over 100 children in our youth programs. We are governed by a lay board, funded through membership dues, and thrive through participation of volunteers.

[Note:  We are interested in any historical pictures anyone might have for this page. 
Please contact webmaster@bethshalom-bjc.org if you have any.]