In September 2012, Beth Israel celebrated the publication and release of A Time to Remember, The First 150 Years, A History of Congregation Beth Israel in San Diego. The nearly 150-page book is a beautifully designed and carefully researched and edited volume.  Our magnificent book is a comprehensive historical account that celebrates as many as possible of the stories of multiple generations of San Diego Jews.

Books are available for purchase at $20 per copy at the reception desk at Beth Israel.

For four years, many dedicated Beth Israel historians, volunteers and staff worked to chronicle the endeavors of the early visionaries and the many others along the journey who built a thriving Jewish community in San Diego. It is the hope of everyone involved that the book will endure for many future generations, and will help Beth Israel continue to serve and lead San Diego’s Reform Jewish community.

The creation of the book was a highlight of the 150^th anniversary year. Many members and staff played critical parts in what was the ultimate team effort to bring this book to fruition.

• The Book was written and researched by the Beth Israel History Project, led by Larry Krause, Stan Schwartz and George Wise. The History Project was awarded the Volunteer of the Year award for this in 2010.
• Work on the project continued under the utmost care and guidance of Editor Liz Levine
• Anna Newton served ably as Project Coordinator
• Steve Gould assisted with the many photos
• Karen Shein designed the beautiful cover
• And Aaryn Marchisa designed the nearly 150-page book itself.

President Emily Jennewein oversaw the project and contributed to the editing. Lesley Mills, executive director, guided and steered the entire project. Thanks to the generosity of two donors -- the Slayen Family and the Scher Family -- Beth Israel was able to fulfill Larry Krause’s dream to give a copy of the book to every member family.