A Brief History of Congregation Beth HaTephila

The very tiny number of Eastern European and German Jews who immigrated to Asheville in the late 1880s did so for the same reason as your and my ancestors: to escape anti-Semitism, to flee from grinding poverty, and for a better life for themselves and their children. They formed a tight-knit community until well into the 20th century. It was precisely this coherence that helped Congregation Beth HaTephila survive to the present.

Whether by design or simply because they were able to take advantage of the openness of Asheville, the early Jewish community integrated with the larger community of Asheville. This they did in a number of ways. They worked hard, bought real estate, established successful businesses, joined civic and social organizations, became political and civic leaders, engaged in extensive philanthropy, and stayed on the right side of the law. Leo Finkelstein, a president of Beth HaTephila, who with his father owned a pawn shop for many decades, went even further: he provided pistols and rifles to the sheriff's department.

The bonding with the Asheville community is visible today. A walk through the UNCA campus reveals buildings with names like "Lipinsky Hall," "Karpen Hall," and "Robinson Hall." A local chaplain and Baptist minister visiting our services remarked, "Of course I was aware of racism. But I never saw any signs of anti-Semitism during all my years in Asheville. I had to learn about that elsewhere. The good relations between the Jewish and Gentile community, in my eyes, were a blessing."

Religious observance was a hit and miss thing, but gradually it became clear that Jewish institutions would need to be created and put on a lasting basis. A small group of pioneers bought real estate, created a cemetary and the accompanying Chevra Kadisha (Burial Society), became legally incorporated and instituted intermittent education for their children.

As was true throughout small towns in the Midwest and South, conflict arose as to the precise orientation to Judaism. The original articles of incorporation listed Temple Beth HaTephila as Conservative. In 1908, we affiliated with the UAHC and adopted the Union Prayer Book. But this did not settle differences. Finally, in 1919, after a meeting described tactfully as "memorable," Solomon Lipinsky's impassioned rhetoric persuaded the audience of Beth HaTephila members that "only Reform Judaism could meet the challenge and retain Jewish loyalties." Eight decades later, we continue our loyalty to Reform Judaism.

Those Asheville Jews who wished for a more Conservative identity created what was first known as Bikur Cholim (Visitors to the Sick), which became Congregation Beth Israel, an Egalitarian Conservative Jewish institution. Whether because some took out membership in both insitutions or because of a concerted desire to avoid conflict, relations between the two institutions have always been cordial.

For decades members of Beth HaTephila yearned passionately for a home of their own. For a variety of reasons, it didn't happen - even though a down payment was put on property on Merrimon Avenue. We had to content ourselves with a former Baptist church - from which later the steeple was removed - from 1902 to 1949. The building was never adequate and attracted such epithets as "that barn" - and worse. Whatever thoughts the Congregation had about a new building disappeared with the Great Depression of 1929. Indeed, in 1934, the history of Beth HaTephila almost ended. The rabbi at the time terminated his own contract and the congregation seriously considered dissolving. But the UAHC persuaded the congregation to stay open and even located a young, qualified rabbi, Alexander S. Kline. This support and encouragement was sufficient, and the Congregation limped through the Depression.

Beth HaTephila can be considered fortunate in its choice of rabbis. Most were competent, but as is the case in small congregations, used their brief tenure as a stepping stone to larger, better paying synagogues. There were some exceptions, those who stayed on for many years and provided outstanding leadership, of whom Rabbi Sidney Unger is perhaps the most conspicuous. Rabbi Unger - after whom Unger Hall is named - came to this Congregation in 1946 and stayed 17 years. He separated our own religious school from that of Beth Israel and began working intensively with the Board to create a fund for a new building - one that had been desired for many years but was always out of reach.

In 1948, Six Associates, Architects, of Asheville, presented a plan and Merchant Construction Company of Asheville began construction on the property at the corner of Liberty and Broad Streets. It was completed in 1949, the old building closed down, and the new one was consecrated with dignitaries from UAHC present to celebrate one of the most significant moments in the existence of Beth HaTephila.

The Yahrzeit Boards, the stained glass window in the sanctuary and other sacred ornaments and accoutrements were donated by individual members or by trust funds in memory of departed congregation members. But the sculpture of the B'not Israel carrying the Ark of the Covenant through the Sinai was given by our neighbor, St. Mark's Lutheran Church in appreciation for using our sanctuary while they were enduring renovations. In 1991 Beth HaTephila observed another milestone in its existence: its centenary celebration.

In the last dozen years membership in the Congregation has increased from 145 to over 275 family units. Much credit for this growth goes to our charismatic, scholarly rabbi, Robert Ratner. Credit also goes to those dedicated and enthusiastic members who have energized the congregation by serving on committees, helping recruit new members, continuing our long tradition of community participation, providing financial support well beyond the minimum, and in many other ways doing their best to create a Beit Knesset, a place of gathering, a family.

Below is a link historical interest, containing photographs, newspaper clippings, oral histories, and miscellaneous materials that describe various individuals, organizations and businesses in the region:

UNCA Ramsey Library Special Collections : Jewish Life in Western North Carolina

The Jewish Heritage Foundation of North Carolina is dedicated to preserving, sharing and celebrating the history, culture, and artistry of the Jews of North Carolina:

Jewish Heritage Foundation of North Carolina