Tifereth Israel, Cleveland's second congregation, was formed in 1850. Many of its founders had left our first congregation, Anshe Chesed. which began in 1842

On March 6, 2024 members of the two Reform congregations, Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple and The Temple - Tifereth Israel, voted for a united future. On July 1, 2024 they will become Congregation Mishkan Or: Dwelling Place of Light.

On Friday March 15, 2024 members of the two congregations came together to welcome the Sabbath, in the Maltz Chapel of Tifereth Israel at 26000 Shaker Boulevard in Beachwood.

The chapel was full. The Arthur Szyk windows that had been in The Temple on Ansel Road glowed in the twilight.

Rabbi Roger Klein (TI) said one selection from scripture was so right for this meeting of members of two congregations that have decided to unify. Psalm 133, Hineh Mah Tov, which he interpreted as "How good it is when friends sit together".

I took this picture a moment later as Cantors Kathy Sebo (TI) and Vladimir Lapin (AC) led the blended congregation in song.

Arnie Berger  3/05/2025