About Temple Beth Israel:
Founded in 1930, Temple Beth Israel is one of the most active and creative congregations in the Australian Jewish community. TBI prides itself on bringing innovation to Jewish traditions. It offers programs for all ages and interest groups, and multiple pathways for members and friends to engage with Progressive Judaism in a way that enhances their lives through spiritual enrichment, learning and community.
Guided by principles of egalitarianism and respect for others, TBI seeks to provide a spiritual home for all who wish to embrace its values.
Holy Ark (Aron Kodesh): sacred cabinet that houses the Torah scrolls
Remains of the burnt Torah scroll from Berlin Synagogue during the Holocaust
Many Torah scrolls in the Ark, some very old with fading handwritten text.
Ornate silver decoration around a Torah scroll
Stained glass windows depicting supporting hands
Printed Torah with English translation and commentary
Holy Ark with curtain, Ten Commandments, Lions of Judah, and Eternal Light (Ner Tamid)
Open Torah scroll showing right-to-left handwritten Hebrew.
Menorah – a timeless symbol of light and Jewish faith.
History:
First gathering on 1 April 1930, the founders of TBI finally settled on the name Temple Beth Israel in 1937, the same year in which the building’s foundation stone was laid.
TBI’s first Senior Rabbi, Dr Herman Sanger, who arrived from Berlin in August 1936, revolutionised Judaism in Australia by establishing a home for German and Austrian Jewish refugees fleeing Europe in the pre- and post-War periods.
In 1938 Dr Herman Schildberger arrived and assumed the musical direction of TBI, introducing to the congregation the majestic music of Lewandowski.
In the 1950s TBI seeded new synagogues in Kew and Bentleigh, The King David School was founded in the mid-1970s, and in the early 1980s the first Israeli shaliach was brought to Melbourne to work with the newly-formed Progressive Zionist youth movement Netzer.
In more recent years, TBI has provided direction to the Jewish community of Victoria and Australia in a number of areas, including the introduction of bat mitzvah and baby naming ceremonies for girls, interfaith work with both the Christian and Muslim communities, active support for social justice issues such as Aboriginal reconciliation and refugee welfare, multicultural forums and synagogue open-house events, adult learning opportunities, community pastoral care programming, and social networking.
With its guiding vision to “meet tradition with innovation”, TBI also has a proud history of creating dynamic and imaginative ways to celebrate the Jewish festivals, appealing in particular to young families.
Faith Leader: Rabbi Dr Allison Conyer
A distinguished and globally recognised rabbi, Rabbi Allison Conyer brings extensive experience in Jewish education, interfaith dialogue, social action and a deep commitment to Israel and community engagement.
Born in Los Angeles, Rabbi Conyer was raised in a secular Jewish family deeply committed to humanitarian values. Her curiosity about her cultural roots led her on an enriching exploration of her Jewish heritage and she was ordained as a Reform rabbi from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York in 1998.
Rabbi Conyer’s extensive roles include being the first female rabbi in New South Wales, Associate Rabbi at North Shore Temple Emanuel – Sydney, Executive Director of Santa Barbara Hillel – California, teaching high school students at King David and Emmanuel Schools, and most recently (just prior to joining TBI), passionately leading our sister congregation Etz Chayim Progressive Synagogue -Bentleigh. During her time at Etz Chayim, she was awarded a Doctor of Divinity from Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion.
Joining TBI in March 2024, Rabbi Conyer, with her extensive training in psychology (Masters level) and her commitment to community engagement, brings her expertise and warmth, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.