Marker Inscription
This congregation was organized in 1876 by about 30 charter members led by noted businessman Henry Hirschfeld and newspaper publisher Phineas de Cordova. In 1877 Beth Israel purchased a lot at 11th and San Jacinto Streets where the first synagogue was erected in 1884. Joe Koen began a 45-year term as president in 1889. The congregation bought land at Shoal Creek Blvd. and 38th Street in 1953; administration and school buildings were erected in 1957. A sanctuary was completed in 1967. A sanctuary was completed in 1967. Beth Israel continues to serve as a focal point for Austin's Jewish community.
About this site
Congregation Beth Israel is a historical marker in Austin, Travis County, dedicated in 1994. It is one of 336 historical markers documented in Travis County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 641 historic sites cataloged across the county.
The site sits at 30.3085, -97.7475 near Austin. The nearest cataloged historic site is The Radkey House (historical marker), about 0.2 miles away. Others within a short drive include Nagel, Chester and Lorine, House, Jacob Leser House, and State Lunatic Asylum.
This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5507014963. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.
