Beth Shalom Synagogue, located in Columbia, the capital city of South Carolina, is a conservative, egalitarian synagogue, home to some 300 families. The synagogue split from the more reform temple in 1905 and at that time was composed of immigrant families from eastern Europe. Following the 1905 split, the primarily orthodox members formed the “House of Peace” synagogue, now known as Beth Shalom, and the synagogue began to grow. The original Park Street shul burned down in 1915 but was rebuilt soon after. In early 1935, a new building was constructed and dedicated on Marion Street. The Marion Street location served as the house of worship for almost 40 years.
In 1955, the congregation moved from the orthodox movement to the conservative movement, where it remains today. The synagogue relocated to its present site on Trenholm Rd in 1973. Ten years later, the synagogue became egalitarian and continues that tradition proudly. Beth Shalom remains the leader in the Jewish community with its outreach, education, and philanthropic arms. The synagogue physically houses the Cutler Jewish Day School, operated by Chabad of SC. Additionally, Beth Shalom offers religious school programming for children 4-16 years old. Bar/ Bat Mitzvah classes are offered in the religious school, as well as post Bar/Bat Mitzvah classes. A Mikvah is housed on the grounds of the synagogue and is available to the entire community.
The synagogue is governed by the Board of Directors, the Board of Trustees, and the Board of Education. All three entities work closely together. The rabbi is the spiritual leader of the synagogue, and the educational director oversees and supervises the religious school and adult education.
The congregation is proud of its 100 years of tradition and celebrated the centennial year in 2005 with services, galas, educational programs, and the burying of a time capsule. The time capsule is scheduled to be opened in 2035 and presently lies beneath the original cornerstone from the Marion Street synagogue. The congregation looks forward to the next 100 years and welcomes new members to share in our future.