Temple Beth-El, on Providence’s historic East Side, has served Reform Jewish singles, couples and families living in Rhode Island and Massachusetts for more than a century. The roots of our congregation date to 1849 when a small group who called themselves "Sons of Israel" gathered for daily services in Providence. Though Orthodox in origin, Sons of Israel affiliated in 1877 with the Union of American Hebrew Congregations (later named the Union for Reform Judaism), the national body of Reform Judaism.
Carrying Torahs

Responding to the challenges and opportunities presented by our open society of the 21st century, the Reform movement today is an influential voice of – and for – Jews in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Today, our Temple Beth-El membership numbers nearly 1,000 households that represent and reflect the changing composition of contemporary American Jewry. Individuals, couples and families with Reform, Conservative or Orthodox roots are members, as are ever-growing numbers of interfaith couples and families. Such diversity of backgrounds, customs and experiences among our members enriches the experience of us all, as we learn from one another.