The congregation was formed in 1885 with the merger of a 'dwindling'
Orthodox congregation, Anshe Emeth ("People of Truth") and a 'growing' Reform congregation, Beth El ("House of God"). Reform pioneer Rabbi
Isaac Mayer Wise led Beth El from 1846 to 1850 where he conducted a day school which included a public school curriculum, religion & Hebrew. Due to tensions between more Orthodox congregants and the Rabbi, Anshe Emeth was created by Rabbi Wise supporters where he then led from 1850 to 1854 before relocating to
Cincinnati. In 1897 the newly merged congregation elected Dr.
Alexander Lyons as the new Rabbi.
Martin A. Meyer served as rabbi from 1903 to 1906, and
Samuel H. Goldenson served as rabbi from 1907 to 1918. After Rabbi Samuel the congregation was led by Rabbi Eli Mayer, Rabbi Marius Ranson, Rabbi Bernard J. Bamberger, Rabbi Samuel Wolk, Rabbi Alvin S. Roth, Rabbi Bernard H. Bloom, Rabbi Martin I. Silverman and most recently Rabbi Scott L. Shpeen. ==Architecture==