The oldest continuously utilized synagogue in Virginia.

Congregation Beth Israel is the oldest continuously utilized synagogue in Virginia. The congregation was formed in 1881 and the cornerstone for its original building was laid a year later. In 1904 the Federal Government purchased its site at Market and Second Street to construct a post office. Salvaged building materials from the original building were moved to the present site.

Architect George Wallace Spooner designed the Gothic Revival style synagogue. According to newspaper accounts the design of the new synagogue was a modified and improved version of the original. The fleurs-de-lis adorning the synagogue’s rooftops are sometime mistaken for crucifixes.

Today Congregation Beth Israel continues as a thriving institution with over 400 member households. The beautifully preserved building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.