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Congregation Shaarey Tikvah
26811 Fairmount Boulevard
Beachwood, Ohio 44122
216-765-8300

Our History
Member, United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism




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In 1940, a group of German Jewish refugees settled in Cleveland and formed a congregation named Shaarey Tikvah - Gates of Hope. After several moves, the congregation settled in a "streetcar barn" at Superior Avenue and East 123rd Street. This home was dedicated in May 1942.

As the congregation's membership grew, so did the need for a full-time rabbi. Dr. Enoch H. Kronheim, z"l, became the congregation's first full-time rabbi in January 1946. Two years later, the first confirmation exercises, with two confirmands, were held.

In October 1950, the congregation purchased the Heights Presbyterian Church at Mayfield and Pryer roads in Cleveland Heights and changed its name to the Mayfield Temple. It became a member of the United Synagogues of America in 1957. Jacob Shtull, z"l, was installed as Rabbi in 1958. In 1959, the congregation inaugurated its first religious school.

Mayfield Temple and Hillcrest Synagogue B'nai Israel merged in 1970 and moved into their building on Lander Road in Mayfield Heights. Again, it's name changed, this time to Mayfield Hillcrest Synogogue, with the Hebrew name Shaarey Tikvah - B'nai Israel.

It's latest move - after much discussion - came in 1986. Dedicating its current building on Fairmount Boulevard, it became Congregation Shaarey Tikvah, the first Conservative congregation in Beachwood.

After nearly 35 years of dedicated service to the congregation, Rabbi Shtull, z"l, retired in 1992 and Gary Robuck was selected as the congregation's spiritual leader. Under his leadership, Congregation Shaarey Tikvah focused on strengthening Shabbat and holiday services and developed a strategic planning process to carry us into the 21st century.

In 2003, the building on Fairmount Boulevard underwent major construction to add a warm and beautiful Beit Tefilah and a welcoming atrium. In addition, major renovations were made to our sanctuary, office and school wings, and social hall.

Following Rabbi Robuck's decision to accept a pulpit in Sydney, Australia, in 2003, the congregation hired Rabbi Edward C. Bernstein. Under his enthusiastic leadership we continue to grow and develop our spiritual community as we move from strength to strength.