Congregation Beth El
Inscription
This simple white frame structure featuring gable roof ends with spindle work is the oldest synagogue building in continuous use in Michigan. It was constructed in 1885 on land donated by Perry Hannah, Traverse City lumber magnate who contributed to many religious and civic institutions. Julius Steinberg, Julius Levinson, and Solomon Yalomstein were the first trustees of Beth El.
Unchanged in appearance, the building has served the Jewish community in the Grand Traverse area for almost a century.
Location
Sources
More markers in Grand Traverse
Hesler Log House
Traverse City, MI
The Hesler house is a rare surviving log house dating from the early settlement of the Old Mission Peninsula.
Friends Meetinghouse
Traverse City, MI
George Fox founded the Religious Society of Friends in England during the seventeenth century.
City Opera House
Traverse City, MI
In 1891 businessmen John Wilhelm, Anthony Bartak, Charles Wilhelm, and Frank Votruba hired architect William G. Robinson of Grand Rapids...
Grand Traverse Bay
Traverse City, MI
French traders named this bay when they made “the long crossing”—la grande traverse—across its mouth.
Novotny's Saloon
Traverse City, MI
In 1886 Antoine Novotny, one of the Bohemian founders of this community, built a bar on this site.