One of the largest Conservative congregations in New England.

Beth El Temple was founded in 1954 by a group of seven couples who were members of Hartford’s Emanuel Synagogue. Initially services were held at the Friend’s Meeting House on South Quaker Lane. Construction was begun on the Education Wing of its own building in 1954. The striking Temple Sanctuary was completed in 1963.

In ten years the congregation grew from the initial founder’s group to 400. By 1980 there were almost 700 families and today there are more than 1,000 households. Beth El is one of the largest Conservative congregations in New England.