Beth Joseph Synagogue History

Built in 1905, the origins of Beth Joseph Synagogue stem from the late 1800s when Jewish immigrants from Russia, Lithuania and other parts of Europe arrived in America.  Many settled in New York City, bu others moved northward.

The earliest Jewish settlers in the Adirondacks came first as peddlers to support the lumber and railroad communities. They carried 75 pound packs full of needles, pins, underwear, fabric and small household goods to homes, farms, and logging camps.  Eventually they owned department stores, furniture stores, dry goods stores and other businesses.

At its peak in the mid 1920s, Tupper Lake’s Jewish community numbered around 35 families. Beth Joseph was the focal point of their community.  Some of the founding family members included Harris Cohn, Mose Ginsberg, Morris Goldberg, Jake, Mike and Harry Pimstein, Barnat and Peter Propp, Nathan Rimmer and Barney Seigel.

Renovated in the 1980s, New York State and National Historic Building status was awarded in 1988.