The largest Jewish congregation in central Pennsylvania.

Harrisburg, the capital city of Pennsylvania is situated on the majestic Susquehanna River. Harrisburg’s earliest Jewish settlers were immigrants from England and Germany. They arrived in the 1840s. As of 2015 the Jewish population of greater metropolitan Harrisburg is about seven thousand.

Beth El Temple is an egalitarian Conservative congregation established in 1926. Impressively sited fronting on the Susquehanna River, the synagogue is a striking combination of Moorish – Revival and Byzantine – Revival architecture. It was designed by Philadelphia architect Clayton J. Lappely (1892 – 1964). Originally dedicated in 1928, there were additions made in 1952 and 1981. Beth El temple is the largest Jewish congregation in the area.