Designed by George Keller in the Romanesque Revival style, the congregation's first synagogue building, commonly called the Charter Oak Temple, located in Hartford on Charter Oak Avenue, was completed in 1876 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

[3] Designed by Charles R. Greco in the Art Deco and Byzantine Revival styles, the congregation's second and current building, located in West Hartford, was completed in 1936 and was added to the same register in 1995,[1] as part of a multiple property listing of fifteen historic synagogues in Connecticut.

Inside are a sanctuary, upon which the dome is built, a chapel, a religious school, a pre-school, offices, two meeting halls, a small museum, and a library.

[5][4] Beth Israel was founded in 1843, the year the Connecticut legislature first permitted public worship by Jews in the state.

For most of the middle of the 20th century (1925–1977), the congregation was led by Rabbi Abraham J. Feldman, a leading exponent of Classical Reform philosophy.

One of the innovations that Rabbi Feldman brought to Congregation Beth Israel was the confirmation ceremony at age 16.

Silver also promoted cross-religious interfaith dialogue, preaching at many local churches and encouraging peace and understanding between people of different faiths.

He hired Connecticut's first female associate rabbi, Jody Cohen, bringing her to Beth Israel in 1984.

During the 1990s, Congregation Beth Israel became instrumental in the absorption of hundreds of Jewish immigrants from the former Soviet Union.

The New American Committee also continues to provide educational opportunities including lectures and weekly language classes.