UtenteAZJHS

In 1981, The Arizona Jewish Historical Society was founded in order to preserve the rich heritage of Arizona’s Jewish communities and to educate the public about the Jewish contributions to Arizona and American life. The society maintains an archival collection of photographs, documents, and oral histories pertaining to Jewish life in Arizona and the southwest. In addition, the society seeks to promote greater awareness of our state’s diverse history through a variety of educational programs.

In 2001, the AZJHS substantially expanded its activities by acquiring the home of Phoenix’s first synagogue and restoring it as the Cutler✡Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center (named for Rabbi Albert Plotkin and James and Bettie Cutler). This facility, originally built in 1921, served as the original home of Temple Beth Israel. It later became a Chinese-speaking Baptist church and then a Spanish-speaking Baptist church. After an 8 year effort, the AZJHS raised over $3,000,000 to rehabilitate the facility as a cultural and educational center. The Cutler✡Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center now serves as the headquarters for the society and its activities. The facility is available for people of all faiths for functions including weddings, receptions, fundraisers, presentations, seminars, and meetings.