Bet Shalom Congregation

In May, 1981, when Bet Shalom Congregation was formed, its purpose was to create a small, warm, welcoming reform congregation. Many short-term goals were achieved within a few months. A Religious School, (K-9) began with 50 students. During our first High Holy Day services, when there were 32 families in this congregation, it was announced that Rabbi Norman Cohen had agreed to become Bet Shalom's first rabbi. With his arrival, Bet Shalom could have religious services on a regular basis and rabbinic leadership to help in its foundation and the formulation of its goals and visions. He has remained our spiritual leader ever since. During our first year, in addition to Shabbat services and Religious School, adult education courses were offered, and our first B'nai Mitzvah were celebrated. By the end of our first annual meeting in May, 1982, Bet Shalom had grown to over 60 families. Since that time, Bet Shalom has grown rapidly. For four years, we met for services at the Jewish Community Center in St. Louis Park. With a community of about 200 families, the synagogue purchased their own building in Hopkins in July, 1985. By January, 2001, over 650 families were members of our congregation. In April 2002, Bet Shalom took possession of a new 44,000 square foot facility in Minnetonka. The congregation currently has over 850 member families.