By the 1880's, the Jewish community was well established in the Concho Valley area. They met together on the sabbath and other religious observances even though they did not have a formal building. By 1926 there were approximately 35 Jewish families in San Angelo and the process of erecting a Synagogue began. The Synagogue for congregation Beth Israel was built in 1928 and formally dedicated on March 24, 1929. From the 1940's until 1960's there was a very active Jewish community in San Angelo. Many were immigrants or children of immigrants from Eastern Europe.
The Synagogue never associated with any major division of Judaism, but has always remained independent. This Synagogue has served the spiritual needs of Jewish people in San Angelo, Midland, Odessa, and Abilene before Synagogues were built in those towns. Although there are few Jewish families still living in San Angelo, the Synagogue has continued to hold weekly and holiday services here since 1928. It is one of the oldest congregations in Texas still meeting in its original building and the building is the most intact in its outward appearance and design.
Take time to walk around the building and see the beautiful stained glass windows. The cache is on public property near the Synagogue. We placed it here in honor of our Jewish Daughter-in-Law.