Created in 1971 by a group of Capital area Reform Jews, B'ai Sholom was conceived from the beginning as a small and responsive Reform congregation. Those who first met in the United Fourth Presbyterian Church (made available through the kindness of Reverend Bruce Miller and his congregation) -- were dedicated to making a place of welcome for Jews who appreciated tradition, but were seeking a modern, more democratic interpretation. They honored openness and warmth, scholarship, lifelong learning, and a place of accessible spirituality and friendship.

In 1979, the congregation was ready for its own quarters, moving to the current home on Whitehall Road. Following the tenures of Rabbis Alvin Roth, Michael Kramer, and Harry Rothstein, Rabbi Donald P. Cashman was chosen in 1985 to lead B'nai Sholom.

A symbol of tradition adapting itself to change, the magnificent Ark that is the heart of B'nai Sholom's Sanctuary originally graced the former Congregation Beth Emeth building at Lancaster and South Swan streets in Albany, which was built in 1889. Shaped by hand, the Ark has seen more than a century of turbulent Jewish history, from the emergence of a vital Reform movement through the Holocaust, the most devastating assault on Judaism and Civilization, since the destruction of the Second Temple. And it has seen the birth of the State of Israel, a tree of hope for Jews here and all over the world.

Above the handcrafted wood doors are the Hebrew words "Yehi Or," "Let there be light," the first words God spoke at the creation of the world. These same words were used by Isaac Mayer Wise, founder of American Reform Judaism, in the title heading of his newspaper "The Israelite," in 1854. Rabbi Wise was the spiritual leader of Congregation Beth El (founded in 1858), which later became Beth Emeth of Albany.

The Ark remained behind when Beth Emeth moved, and it was rescued, dismantled, and rebuilt by Kurt Gifford in its new home. B'nai Sholom is thus placed at the heart of Reform history: Albany's Orthodox Temple Beth El, founded in 1838, was the first congregation of Rabbi Wise. A split resulted in his supporters forming Anshe Emeth, the fourth Reform congregation in America. Beth El and Anshe Emeth joined together as Beth Emeth, and in 1971, B'nai Sholom was founded by former Beth Emeth members.

B;nai Sholom has responded to changes in the Reform movement while remaining firmly rooted in the deepest principles of Judaism. Every service that takes place in the Sanctuary reminds us that we are the current adherents of a strong and sustaining tradition, a place to call our true spiritual home.

Rabbi Alvin Roth was the first rabbi. Rabbi Michael Kramer served from 1973-78, Rabbi Harry Rothstein from 1978-1985, and Rabbi Donald P. Cashman since 1985.