B’nai Torah History

In 1955, at a meeting at the Highland Park Recreation Center, Highland Park Reform Temple, later to be named B’nai Torah, was born. Our first home was a rented office over Gsell’s drug store on Central Avenue; our first Torah was a gift from North Shore Congregation Israel.

A Religious School was established, meeting Sunday mornings at the Lincoln School. Friday evening services were conducted wherever facilities could be rented, usually at Lincoln School, but also at other public schools in the area.

In 1958 we purchased the property at 2789 Oak Street (the historic site of the old Port Clinton Lighthouse. The Spanish-style mansion on the property is referred to in an old history book as “Miralago,” Spanish for “behold the lake.”

In 1966 we added our present sanctuary building to the property. In 2007, we will launch the construction of the Neil Coleman Education Center.

We have grown to more than 750 member families. Our Preschool, Hebrew/Religious School, Family Hebrew and Adult Education classes are thriving.

New members are always welcome.