History of the Jews in San Diego

The history of Jews in San Diego dates to the middle of the 19th century.

[1] Louis Rose is known as one of the first Jewish citizens in San Diego, arriving in 1850.

The first congregation called, Adat Yeshurun, later changing to Beth Israel, was founded in 1861.

In 1889 the first Temple Beth Israel was built at Second Avenue and Beech Street.

In the 1970s, the original temple was going to be demolished but was spared due to the combined efforts of past Beth Israel President Jim Milch and other members of the congregation.