B’nai Sholom was founded in 1971 by a group of people who wanted to create a warmer, more intimate, and more democratic Reform temple. The first service was held December 31, 1971, and within a month the congregation was incorporated. The congregation met in a church until our present building on 5 ½ acres of Whitehall Road was dedicated in 1979. In 1998, an educational wing was added and existing space was reconfigured to beautify the sanctuary and add a library, lounge and meeting room.

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.

The Congregation has amended its by-laws several times over the years. Of note, we include all members of a household as congregants, whether Jewish or not. We also extend our definition of household and family to the broadest possible extent to include non-traditional family structures. We want everyone to feel welcome!

Many people ask about our Ark. It was originally in another synagogue building in Albany which was dedicated in 1889. After World War II, that congregation sold its building and left the Ark behind. Our folks, many of whom were confirmed and married in front of this Ark, made a contribution to the church which owned it and had it taken away, board by board. It was refinished and placed here, linking us to the original Temple Beth El, founded in 1838 which merged with Isaac Mayer Wise’s temple to form the merged congregation which erected—and later abandoned—this Ark.