The Jewish community of the Permian Basin had its roots among the earliest settlers of West Texas. They established themselves in the various towns around the area, coming to Odessa as it grew to be the hub of the Basin.
By 1941, the Jewish population of Odessa numbered approximately ten families. They held their religious and social gatherings in various public buildings rented for the purpose. During the war the community held their religious services at the Midland Bombardier Base. At the height of World War II, the civilians present at the services decided to organize the Jewish Service Club of Odessa, Texas, in order to bring religious and social services to the Jewish soldiers and their wives stationed in the area. Ben Glast was elected President. The Service Club functioned until September 30, 1945, when it was voted to disband and establish a Jewish Temple. Ben Glast was elected President; charter members (as best remembered) were Pete Cools, Joe Sepkowitz, Abe Rayblatt, Julius Krause, Bert Finig, Herman Winkler, Chic Fair, Harry Leaman, Ben Sadovnick, Adolph Frankel and Ben Nedow.
The congregation was served by Rabbi Pizer Jacobs in 1952 and Rabbi Phillip Weisberg in 1956. When a Rabbi was not present, services were conducted by lay leadership.
In 1961, the Jewish population of the Permian Basin reached 60 families. During the administrations of Roy Elsner and Robert Taubman a drive was conducted to construct a new Temple. Land was purchased at Oakwood and Grandview. Trainer & Powell, Architects, were commissioned to design the new building. J.W. Cooper Construction was awarded the contract and construction was started in July 1961. The building program was headed by Marvin S. Harrison, and the decorating committee members were Mrs. Robert Taubman, Mrs. Marvin S. Harrison and Mrs. Abe Gerson.
Religious School. The community was able to hire a full-time Rabbi, Tracy Klirs, who helped to modernize our school. A two-week summer camp—Or Shemesh—was added to the program which was financially sponsored by the Sisterhood and B’nai B’rith. Every child was able to attend.
Pecos, and Big Spring, Texas. Rabbi Sidney Zimelman of Ft. Worth, Texas now serves the congregation. He visits our congregation on a bi-monthly basis as well as the High Holy Days. When the Rabbi is not present, our members conduct services. Temple Beth El facilities are a handsome addition to the beauty of the City of Odessa. In the past, its congregation has aided the growth of the community and the Permian Basin at large. In the future, they will continue to support the Basin's activities and continue the fine support between the congregation and the community. Also of note is that January 2006 will be the 60th Anniversary of Temple Beth El. Look for more information on the celebration to be added shortly to this site.
If anybody out there knows any more about the history of our synagogue and possibly has any old pictures, we would love to have them. We are currently working on possibly a CD to be given out to anyone who wants one about the History of Temple Beth El. Much research will be done from getting old newspapers from 1946 all the way to talking to old Rabbi's and present members of our congregation. Look for it to come out soon. Please contact us at webmaster@templebethel.tk if you have any pictures or know a lot about the synagogue. Thanks for your help! |
