Welcome to Beth Israel Congregation, a landmark Reform synagogue located at 5315 Old Canton Road in Jackson, Mississippi. Established in 1860 by German-Jewish immigrants, it holds a unique place in state history as Jackson’s only synagogue and the largest Jewish congregation in Mississippi, serving over 200 families. When you visit, you are stepping into a sanctuary with a deeply resilient past tightly woven into the American Civil Rights Movement.
During your visit, you can explore the congregation's modern home, an octagonal structure built in 1967 that is distinguished by its massive roof line. This current house of worship represents a profound legacy of courage; former leader Dr. Perry Nussbaum was a prominent advocate during the civil rights era who supported jailed Freedom Riders and hosted inclusive Clergy Institutes for local black ministers before the building was targeted in a 1967 bombing by the Ku Klux Klan.
As you discover the story of this historic community—from its origins founding Mississippi's first synagogue to appointing its first female rabbi in 2003—you will gain a meaningful perspective on the enduring civil rights legacy, historic struggle, and spiritual strength of Jackson's Jewish community.
What to see at Beth Israel Congregation
- Jackson's only Jewish synagogue and the largest Jewish congregation in Mississippi
- Distinctive 1967 octagonal architectural design with a massive roof
- Deep historic connections to Civil Rights Movement activism under Rabbi Perry Nussbaum
- Founding history dating back to 1860 with Mississippi's first synagogue built in 1867
Visiting tips
To see where the congregation's historic original building once stood, head to South State and South streets to view the Mississippi state historical marker installed in 2005.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Beth Israel Congregation is easy to reach on Jackson’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle and Jackson Zoo. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Jackson travel guide.
See the full Jackson travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.