The Beth Israel Congregation in Walla Walla reflects a long-standing Jewish presence in the region, with roots going back to the late 1800s. However, it was not until 1940 that the Jewish community formally established a permanent synagogue. Located at 817 Alvarado Terrace, the building was dedicated on December 1, 1940, after years of informal gatherings in homes and temporary spaces. The structure was modest in scale but deeply meaningful to the local Jewish families who helped fund and build it. At the time, it was described as the first formal Jewish house of worship in southeastern Washington, making it a significant milestone in the religious history of Walla Walla.

The building itself reflects the practical and humble needs of a small-town Jewish congregation. Over the years, minor architectural updates were made to accommodate growing needs, including educational activities and interfaith outreach. Despite its size, the synagogue has remained in continuous use and today still serves as the spiritual home of the Beth Israel Congregation. Unlike many urban synagogues with elaborate ornamentation, this building’s enduring character lies in its function as a center of cultural and religious continuity in a region where Jewish populations have always been small in number.

The Beth Israel Congregation Newsletters, which began circulation in the early 1990s, often featured news and updates about building maintenance, restoration efforts, and the preservation of religious objects housed within the synagogue. These newsletters now serve as a valuable record not only of the community’s activities but of the physical space that has supported Jewish life in Walla Walla for more than eight decades.