Series I: Temple Beth Sholom, Manchester (1940 - 2009), [Merged with Congregation B'nai Israel, Rockville in 2009]

Congregation Beth Sholom began in 1910 as the Manchester Hebrew Free Loan Society. In 1935 the organization evolved into the Jewish Community Club and began to hold High Holiday services. Until 1940 the congregation held services in Tinker Hall on Main Street with a visiting Rabbi and only a handful of congregants. Since then, the Temple has been housed in two different buildings.

In 1937 the founding members purchased an old clubhouse from St. Mary’s church; the building was dedicated as Temple Beth Shalom in 1940. The building was later expanded to include seven additional rooms.

The first Rabbi, Bertrand Woythaler, served from 1940-1945. Longtime, Rabbi Leon Wind became the Temple’s spiritual leader in 1945 and served until 1979.

The current Temple was built on a site at 400 East Middle Turnpike and dedicated in 1964.

Beth Sholom merged with B’nai Israel of Rockville-Vernon to form Beth Sholom B’nai Israel in 2009.