Beth Jacob Congregation 4855 College Avenue San Diego, California 92115 [29K] Visit Beth Jacob Congregation's website Beth Jacob Congregation was founded in 1939. In May of that year, a small house on Myrtle Avenue was purchased for religious services and congregational meetings. In 1947, Rabbi Baruch Stern joined Beth Jacob and remained its rabbi until retiring in 1977. During Rabbi Stern's tenure, the Congregation built a new synagogue on 30th Street near Meade Avenue in 1950. In 1972, Beth Jacob broke ground for a new synagogue located on College Avenue in proximity to San Diego State University. After several years and the dedication of many members of the congregation to see synagogue finished, dedication services were held on August 28, 1977. As the viewer can see, Beth Jacob Congregation's synagogue is a extraordinarily beautiful building. The above image was taken from the cover of the synagogue's dedication book. The images below are from photos of the four faceted glass windows located in the Beth Midrash and depict highlights from the Garden of Eden, Exodus from Egypt, building the Holy Temple, its destruction, the return and rebuilding of Israel. [20K] [23K] The panels also show the symbols of Shabbat and festivals. In the accomopanying text book celebrating 10 years on College Avenue, one learns that "the designer used rich colors and textures of one inch thick glass chipped at the edges in bold, mosaic style in a narrative flowing from one event and time to another. The symbols are superimposed upon each other. At sunset the faceted glass catches the sun's rays and basks worshippers inthe rich colors of Jewish History." [19K] [19K] [20K] Beth Jacob Congregation commissioned a postcard featuring the synagogue's sanctuary. Beth Jacob is affiliated with the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of American and is extremely proud of its history of offering a tradional place of worship in San Diego.