Art Gallery

Celebrating BEKI History

November 25, 2024  –  March 16, 2025

Breaking Ground for what was then B’nai Israel synagogue, with Robert Nankin (young shoveler) Issac Magid (adult shoveler). July 19, 1959. Notice the shovels in the picture. One of the actual shovels is currently on exhibit at BEKI. Photographed by I.A. Sneiderman.

The BEKI Art Gallery is celebrating the history of the Congregation through an exhibition of historic photographs, copies of newspaper clippings, portraits of past leaders and members, and related materials. The exhibit is designed to complement Sanctuary renovation, encouraging members to think about the many years of community building that have brought BEKI to this next phase.

Included are photographs of the groundbreaking and construction of the synagogue in 1960-1961 for Congregation Beth El, and the dedication of the new Congregation Beth-El Keser Israel, when Keser Israel and Beth El merged in 1968. Alan Gelbert “z”l”, a serious photographer and BEKI President 1980–1982, was a longtime member who contributed a number of lovely black and white photographs to the congregation. In later years, Charlie Ludwig, “z”l”, another of BEKI’s long time members, was always ready with his camera to record events big and small.

The exhibit includes a selection from among his hundreds of photographs of Purim celebrations, BEKI board meetings, and special occasions.

Rachel Bashevkin’s diligent work in organizing historic photographs and archival materials made it possible to expand the scope of the exhibition. Working closely with Nicole Zador of the Jewish Historical Society of Greater New Haven, BEKI members Harold Miller, Tani Cohen-Fraade, Helen Rosenberg, Diane Krevolin and Cynthia Rubin sorted through the trove of historical materials, arranged for reprints, framed the works, and mounted the  exhibit.

L’dor v’dor: from generation to generation and to new memories being made and memorialized in the new Sanctuary.