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

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 Rabbi 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 21^st 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. He helped to initiate several innovative programs at Congregation Shaarey Tikvah, including Synaplex, East Side Veggies and an Adult B'nai Mitzvah program.

In 2011, following Rabbi Bernstein's resignation, we hired Rabbi David Kosak as our new spiritual leader. Congregation Shaarey Tikvah looks forward to an exciting era of growth, under Rabbi Kosak's leadership.