Baltimore Hebrew Congregation

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Baltimore Hebrew Congregation is the oldest and largest synagogue in Maryland.

Baltimore Hebrew Congregation maintains and promotes the faith and values of Reform Judaism in all aspects of life. The Congregation perpetuates the principle that the synagogue is the fundamental institution of the Jewish community. Reform Judaism is committed to personal religious growth, social justice, survival of the Jewish people and continuity of Judaism. These ideals are achieved through worship, life-long education and active involvement in the congregational family. We work to insure that our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren inherit the great legacy of Judaic tradition of our Congregation. Baltimore Hebrew Congregation is a very special place. Within our walls, singles, couples, families, young people and adults gather in an atmosphere of caring and sharing. We provide a spiritual haven inspiring hope and giving comfort. We are a moral force which encourages the age-old quest for justice and righteousness, peace and freedom. We are a source of Jewish learning and wisdom; the echoes of prophets, sages, rabbis and musicians are heard in our Sanctuary and our classrooms. We offer many and varied opportunities for members of all ages to enhance their knowledge and love of Judaism and to deepen their identification and commitment through involvement in Congregational life.

It is the second largest synagogue in the Mid-Atlantic States behind Washington Hebrew Congregation. Originally named Nidche Yisroel, the synagogue was founded in 1830, and for the first fifteen years of its existence, services were held in a small room above a local grocery.

In 1845, the congregation moved to Lloyd Street under the new name, Baltimore Hebrew Congregation. As the city of Baltimore and its Jewish population continued to grow, so too did the number of congregants, and thus also the size of its endowment. Thus, in 1891, the congregation moved to Madison Avenue, where it built a brand new building. The Congregation finally moved to Park Heights Avenue on the border of Baltimore City and Baltimore County, as the Jewish population fled to the countryside following the Second World War.