Temple B’nai Israel, chartered in 1868, is the oldest Reform congregation in Texas and Galveston is the oldest extant Jewish community in the State.  Housed in a modern building on Avenue O, the Temple’s third home, includes a full serving kitchen, an endowed adult library with computer/internet availability, a children’s library, a 70 seat chapel, a 250 seat sanctuary, and a social hall that allows up to 750 additional seating.

B’nai Israel is most well known for Rabbi Henry Cohen who served the Temple from 1888 to 1952.  An additional 10 Rabbis have served TBI in its 139 years.  The congregation established the first integrated kindergarten in Galveston and there is likely not a single community committee on the Island in which members of TBI aren’t active. Three Mayors of Galveston have been members of the Temple as well as several members of the Galveston Independent School District Board of Trustees.