Our Building: Past, Present and Future

Our History

Beth Am Israel was founded in 1924 in Southwest Philadelphia, when this area held a vibrant Jewish community. Our congregation was located at 58th Street and Warrington Avenue. Gradually over the years, people in the community started moving to the Main Line, and in 1973 Beth Am Israel moved too. Today, Beth Am Israel remains a vibrant community full of talented, giving, and warm members.

Dive into our history:

Nature Infused Architecture

Our award-winning building design reflects our philosophy. Our sanctuary sits at the heart of our space, with classrooms surrounding it — conveying our belief that intergenerational worship and learning are inseparable parts of Jewish experience. As they pass to and from Beit Midrash class, children become comfortable with the Shabbat service in the sanctuary and also participate in the service more naturally. And with our Shabbat-centered approach to learning, they also see their parents there. Adults in the sanctuary, conversely, experience the joy of watching the next generation of Jewish children grow to become Jewish adults. Our building’s architecture also connects us to the beauty of the world around us. Large windows let in light and views of nature and help us contemplate the wonder of the universe.  Take a look at our design award (Religious Art & Architecture Design Award, Interfaith Forum on Religion, Art & Architecture and Faith & Form Magazine, 2005), but more importantly:  come visit us in real life!  We will gladly welcome you and invite you to a meal.

“We wanted a building that would meet our functional needs and more. In character with our community: warm, welcoming, modest, responsible and solid. Basic materials, used well, beautifully composed.  A building that made distinctions between sacred space and space for other uses, as we distinguish between Shabbat and the rest of the week, bein kodesh l’chol. A building that would inspire, evoke and teach.  A work of Architecture. A work of Art.”
–Bill Becker,  Design Team Leader Building Project Chair Past President

Our synagogue building is our gathering place, our sanctuary, and our spiritual home. Join us. You are welcome here.

Ya’ar/Woodlands

Beth Am Israel is fortunate to be surrounded by woodlands, Ya’ar in Hebrew.  We take our stewardship of the earth seriously.  It is reflected in our beautiful, thoughtfully designed building and sanctuary that allows us to feel as one with the trees surrounding us.  And it is reflected in our desire to design, create and maintain a natural habitat for the local flora and fauna to thrive in, while also creating spaces for our members to explore their spirituality while breathing in and caring for the land surrounding our sacred home.

In the fall of 2021, with the help of many of our BAI families, we began clearing out invasive plantings and replacing them with native species of plants and shrubs.  We installed a fence along the ridge that allows us a clear view into the woodlands.  Together with our children, we created a natural climbing structure made from fallen logs, as well as a gathering area with tree stumps for seats.

Working with the student leaders of our Jewish Youth Climate Movement, we expanded the plantings in our pollinator garden, planted in memory of Pecki Witonsky, and which is a certified way-station along the Monarch Migration Trail.  In addition, BAI is proud to be a certified wildlife habitat, providing food, water and shelter for local wildlife.

Recognizing the poor drainage areas in our lower parking lot, we created a Rain Garden to help filter the water and reduce the volume of runoff going into our storm water system.

Native Habitats

Going forward, we are hoping to reduce our reliance on mulching by replacing mulched areas with no-mow grasses and flowers.  We are hoping to plant a wildflower meadow on the hillside to help prevent runoff, while also providing nectar for the bees and butterflies. We are proud to be recognized as a stop on the Monarch Butterfly Trail.

If you would like to be involved in any of these projects, please reach out to the office, the Green Team or our Jewish Youth Climate Movement members.