The Cutler✡Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center
Rabbi Martin Zielonkaof El Paso would travel to Phoenix to counsel the Jewish community and inspire them to organize a synagogue.
Finally, in 1920, Congregation Beth Israelwas incorporated, and contributions were solicited for the erection of a synagogue by the local B’nai B’rith Lodge and National Council of Jewish Women.
Charles Steinberg was elected President.
The Founding Fathers included: Solomon Ballsun, D. Harold Brayer, Isaac Diamond, David Goldberg, David Granow, Charles Korrick, Herman Lewkowitz, I. J. Lipsohn, Barnett E. Marks, Archie R. Miller, Isaac Rosenzweig, Sam D. Spitalny, Herbert Stein, Charles Steinberg and Samuel Wilson.
The Interim Years
The First Congregation Beth Israel of Phoenix, Now refurbished as the Culver-Plotkin Center.
The new congregation raised $14,000, hired an architect to design and construct a synagogue building near Central Avenue and Culver Street. The building was completed in 1921, and an annex added in 1930.
In 1935 a fire destroyed much of the synagogue requiring much rebuilding.
At that time the congregation had about 100 member families.
After World War II, the Congregation Beth Israel grew to approximately 300 families and moved to a new location.
The Interim Years
In 1949, Congregation Beth Israel sold the property on Culver Street to the Southern Baptist Convention.
The history of this unique building did not end with its sale. It began new life as the home of Phoenix’s first Chinese-speaking Christian church.
Among the notable improvements introduced by the Chinese were the addition of large wooden pews in the sanctuary as well as a translation booth in the choir loft. (These pews have subsequently been removed as part of the building’s renovation.)
They also constructed a large block building to the rear of the church that served as additional office space and classrooms.
From 1951-1981, the building served as a religious and social hub for Phoenix’s Chinese-American community.
In 1981, the property was deeded to a Spanish-speaking Baptist church, Iglesia Bautistia Central, under whose care it remained until purchased by the Arizona Jewish Historical Societyin 2001-2002.
Restoration
Modern Interior of the Cutler-Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center
In 2008, the Arizona Jewish Historical Society began its physical restoration of the site.
The project consisted of the rehabilitation of the historic synagogue and annex, as well as the addition of modern plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems.
The walls were not just repainted, but torn down and replaced exactly as originally built.
Light fixtures were created to match the long-lost originals.
Windows are again like the originals.
In April 2010, the Cutler✡Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center officially opened to the public as a museum, educational center, and event venue.
When the synagogue was originally built, there were approximately 120 Jews living in the Phoenix area. Today, there are over 82,000 Jewish residents.
In recognition of its rich and diverse history, the Cutler✡Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center was voted by the public as a Phoenix Point of Pride in 2008.
For information about exhibits, programs, events and availability, contact:
Lawrence D. Bell, Executive Director
Cutler✡Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center
122 E. Culver Street, Phoenix AZ 85004
(602) 241-7870 azjhs@aol.com
