Temple Beth-El records

The first Jews came to Muncie in 1828; one year after Delaware County was organized as a governmental unit. The first Jewish religious services in the county were held in 1852 at the home of Frank Leon, which was located at High and Howard streets, later to be the location of the Hotel Roberts. In 1885, the first Jewish congregation in Muncie was formally organized. With a membership of 19, the congregation met in members' homes with student rabbis traveling from Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati to conduct services.

In 1891, the congregation took the name Beth-El Congregation and met in a building then known as the Delaware (Masonic) Lodge, which was located at the corner of High and Main streets. In 1896, the congregation secured a permanent meeting place at Adams and High streets. This location came to be known as the Hebrew Temple. In 1901, the congregation dropped to 14, but members continued to maintain Sabbath services with lay leadership and holy day services with visiting rabbis.

A new structure was dedicated on December 3, 1922, at the corner of West Jackson and Council streets. Rabbi Maurice Feuerlicht traveled from Indianapolis to give the sermon. Charles Indorf, president of Temple Beth-El, was presented with the keys to the temple. Rabbi Bernard Dorfman, the student rabbi serving at the time, gave the invocation and placed the Torah scroll in the ark.

In 1985, Temple Beth-El celebrated its centennial. In over a century of existence, Temple Beth-El has served the Jewish community of East Central Indiana. Along with providing religious services, the Temple has supported a variety of organizations such as women's and youth groups. It also welcomes Jewish students from nearby Ball State University who are not regular members of the congregation.