Beth El Temple is a thriving synagogue located on the banks of the Susquehanna River in Harrisburg. From our modest beginnings in 1926, we have grown into a proudly egalitarian Conservative Jewish community that is both committed to Jewish tradition and also cutting-edge in our spiritual approach and inclusion. We welcome all people of any age or stage in life; we are home to interfaith families, those with disabilities, LGBTQ+ folks, veterans, people with beliefs across the political spectrum, and more.
Beth El is a place where Jewish people and other members of our community come to connect across ages and identities to celebrate Shabbat and holidays, learn Torah, work to create a better world, and engage meaningfully in Jewish life.
Here is Beth El Temple’s official mission statement (adopted in 2024):
Our “sanctuary by the river” is a vibrant, inclusive, Conservative egalitarian synagogue. We balance traditional worship with creative practices to elevate the spiritual life of our congregation. We care for our members through all lifecycle moments, offer lifelong learning, and promote social connections. Inspired by our Jewish values, we pursue social and environmental action, engage with our local community, and nurture a deep connection to Israel and world Jewry. We welcome everyone of all identities or abilities.
You can see a panoramic view of our sanctuary and more information about our building’s history on the Synagogues360 website.
To learn more about our community, watch the video below (commissioned in honor of our 100th anniversary in 2026) or arrange a visit — we would love for you to spend time with us and get to know our wonderful community!
Some key moments in the video:
Thanks to Stewart Nurick and the entire 100th Anniversary Committee for their help producing this video.