Photos courtesy Arizona Jewish Historical Society

Though it has catered to more than one religion since the 1920s,
the city’s first Jewish synagogue is returning to its roots with a
multi-million-dollar preservation Effort.


When Herman Lewkowitz and his bride-to-be set out to marry in the early 1920s, Phoenix had neither a synagogue to host their wedding nor a rabbi to officiate it.
Eventually, they found a rabbi willing to travel from Texas, so they wed and promptly made another commitment: Join with other Jews in Phoenix to build their own synagogue – the city’s first – near Central Avenue and Culver Street.
The unassuming Spanish Mission revival building, Temple Beth Israel, would go on to become not only a place of worship but a religious school and important hub for Jews as the community grew. Over the next 80 years, the building changed hands and served congregants of different faiths. It’s now with the Arizona Jewish Historical Society, which has plans for a multi-million-dollar preservation effort and expansion for the building. The newly named Cutler-Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center will serve as a museum, history archive and social center.


The historic building, rescued from an uncertain fate by the society, was “almost forgotten,” says Rabbi Albert Plotkin, a longtime leader of Congregation Beth Israel and one of the heritage center’s namesakes.
“Finally, it came home to the Jewish community.’’
Earlier this year, the synagogue was named a Point of Pride, an award bestowed on notable sites by the City of Phoenix. Officials broke tradition and selected three structures instead of one, though the synagogue was the top vote-getter.
The recognition comes at a perfect time, as Jewish community leaders are raising $4 million for the heritage center and an endowment. So far, the effort has drawn
$2 million in donations and grant money, says Larry Bell, executive director of the Jewish Historical Society.
In addition to Plotkin’s name, the heritage center will bear the Cutler name after local civic activists James and Bettie Cutler. Though the center will be an obvious draw for Jewish visitors, organizers want the entire community to take advantage of its offerings.
Plans call for restoring the 1922 synagogue and a 1930s annex next door, both of which are in surprisingly good condition, with original features like wood flooring, an arched stage, a choir loft and large windows that bathe rooms in sunlight.