The Southwestern adobe style architecture of this synagogue is typical of this section of the United States.

German Jews began immigrating to Carlsbad, New Mexico in approximately 1916. During and after World War II, this immigration of Jews with German heritage continued. They met and prayed irregularly in private homes. In 1969, when there were about 30 to 40 Jews in the area, a woman named Irene Goldminz moved to Carlsbad, and joined the congregation. In 2002, the congregation acquired a former Seventh Day Adventist church building, which was in need of significant renovation. Irene Goldminz, now Mrs. Goldminz-Roberts as she was widowed and remarried by that time, donated the funds in memory of her deceased husband Dr. Abraham Goldminz, for the Synagogue’s repairs and remodeling. The Reform Synagogue was named Temple Beth-El and Ms. Goldminz-Roberts became the Secretary/Treasurer. Temple Beth-El is the only synagogue in Carlsbad and at the time of this writing in 2011 there are approximately 24 Jews living in the community. The congregation comprises twelve families, ranging in age from thirty to eighty, with the exception of one child.

Temple Beth-El is designed in Southwestern Adobe style architecture, typical of the area. The handsome façade, appropriate to the geographic location, has a classic tan stucco finish. The star-of-David is featured prominently in an inset in the small tower atop the building. Inside, the prayer-room is white with wood paneling on the lower half of the walls, which surrounds the room. Paned windows with wood casing adorn the walls. At the front of the room on a platform up a few steps is the Aron Ha’ Kodesh, simply carved from wood, and inscribed in large Hebrew letters across the top. A heavy blue velvet Torah curtain colorfully embroidered with gold tassels is partially drawn across the front of it. An exquisite ornamental olive green and silver Torah scroll rests inside the Aron Ha’ Kodesh. On the wall, flanking either side of the Aron Ha’ Kodesh are Stars-of-David. On the podium to the right a gold menorah sits on a podium and on the left, sits the tivah (reader’s desk). Two flags stand off the podium to the right, just before the pews, the flag of Israel and the flag of New Mexico. Wood pews with blue cushions fill the sanctuary.

Because the congregation is small it is not economically feasible for Temple Beth-El to have a rabbi; therefore, it is led by a lay-leader. Currently, a young man, Howard Katz, is the lay-leader of Temple Beth-El. He has a Conservative Jewish upbringing, infusing Hebrew music to this Reform congregation, which has been a fresh and welcome addition. Services take place on the first and third Fridays of each month, as well as on High Holidays. There are strong interfaith ties in Carlsbad. Churches in the area have held special events to bring awareness regarding Israel to the forefront of their parishioner’s minds and raise money to send to Israeli orphanages and other worthy Israeli causes. Therefore, Christians from nearby churches often attend High Holiday services at Temple Beth-El, indicating their support for Jews and Israeli causes.