Galveston in Galveston County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Congregation B'nai Israel Rabbi Henry Cohen Memorial Temple

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 13, 2024

1. Congregation B'nai Israel Rabbi Henry Cohen Memorial Temple Marker

Inscription. Established in 1868, B'nai Israel is the oldest reform Judaism congregation in Texas. Galveston architects Benjamin Kotin and Tibor Beerman designed their Mid-century Modern temple, completed in 1955. The design features a folded plate exterior brick wall with relief masonry highlighting the first ten letters of the Hebrew alphabet and a Star of David. Interior spaces include a sanctuary, great hall and stage, library, classrooms and offices. The temple's name honors Rabbi Henry Cohen (1863-1952), who led the congregation for 64 years.

Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 2021

Erected 2021 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 23336.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Churches & Religion. A significant historical year for this entry is 1955.

Location. 29° 17.509′ N, 94° 47.912′ W. Marker is in Galveston, Texas, in Galveston County. Marker is at the intersection of Avenue O and 30th Street, on the right when traveling west on Avenue O. Avenue O is one-way westbound at this location. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3008 Avenue O, Galveston TX 77550, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Galveston Artillery Club (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); "The Cradle"

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(about 600 feet away); Holy Rosary Catholic Church (about 700 feet away); Hutchings House (about 700 feet away); a different marker also named Hutchings House (about 700 feet away); Sealy and Mary Hutchings House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Site of the Home of Michel Branamour Menard (approx. 0.2 miles away); Galveston Garten Verein (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Galveston.

Also see . . .
1. Our Building: The Rabbi Henry Cohen Memorial Temple. Eighty-three years after the original vote to purchase land for a synagogue, the Board of Trustees for Congregation B’nai Israel voted to initiate a new building for their continually growing Jewish community. (Congregation B'nai Israel) (Submitted on April 22, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

2. Rosenberg Treasure: Rabbi Henry Cohen. Rabbi Henry Cohen (1863–1952) is perhaps the most well-known Jew in Galveston history. Son of David and Josephine C. Cohen, Henry was born in London on April 7, 1863. Henry became a rabbi in 1884, preaching and developing

Congregation B'nai Israel Rabbi Henry Cohen Memorial Temple and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 13, 2024

2. Congregation B'nai Israel Rabbi Henry Cohen Memorial Temple and Marker

The marker is to the left of the doors.

reform philosophy. Henry arrived in Galveston in 1888 to serve as Rabbi for the Temple B’nai Israel, then comprising 175 families. (Rosenberg Library) (Submitted on April 22, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Credits. This page was last revised on April 23, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 22, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 53 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 22, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.