The oldest continuously operating temple in Maryland

Exactly when Jews first settled in the Cumberland area isn’t known. An early reference to Jews thereabout occurred when George Washington wrote a letter to his brother thanking him for a ham that he had received. General Washington wrote that he had placed the ham “in the safe care of a Jewish soldier.” A little more than half a century later, in 1853, there were 12 Jewish families in Cumberland who, under an act of the Maryland Legislature, established Baair Cheim Congregation. Initially Baair Cheim (B’er Chayim) was an Orthodox congregation. However, it joined the Union of American Hebrew Congregations (UAHC – Reformed) in 1905.

The Congregation bought a parcel of land on the corner of Union and Centre Streets in 1853. By 1864 the building, which is still in use today, was completed. In fact, B’er Chayim is one of the oldest Congregations in Maryland and its building is the oldest continuously operating Temple in the state.

Many changes have taken place over the last 150 years: in 1899 the Congregation purchased a lot adjoining the rear of the Temple and erected a building for use as a parsonage; oil lamps were exchanged for electric; new heating systems replaced the pot-bellied stove; in 1951 stained glass windows replaced the plainer ones in the sanctuary; and in 2011 there was a major restoration. Since the mid 1930s the parsonage building has been used as a Sunday school. In 1975 B’er Chayim Temple was listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.

As of this writing (2013) Congregation B’er Chayim has a membersip of about 65 families with congregants ranging from 5 months to 100 years of age. It is a welcoming and unique congregation that includes many multi-generational families. Although not a large community, it is vibrant and active enjoying the service of a full-time rabbi.