Just when the first Jew came into this region cannot be established. In a letter to his brother, George Washington acknowledged the receipt of a ham, which he placed in the “safe” care of a Jewish soldier. By 1853, 12 Jewish families were know to be in Cumberland, which had a population of 6510. On April 27th of that year, this small group met to formalize their community. On May 23, 1853, the Legislature of Maryland passed an act incorporating “Baair Cheiim” Congregation and created its Charter. B’er Chayim began as an Orthodox congregation but soon tended towards a more Reform type of Service. The Congregation joined the Union of American Hebrew Congregations (UAHC) in 1905 and adopted the Union Prayer Book in 1907. A small group split off in 1925, creating Beth El Congregation. The two congregations rejoined in 1934. Over the ensuing years there were merger discussions with Beth Jacob, the Conservative synagogue in Cumberland. This was achieved in 1998 at which time the Torahs, memorial tablets and other Jewish objects were transferred to B’er Chayim. The combined congregation has prospered and maintained an average membership of 75-80 family units. In 2003 B’er Chayim celebrated its 150th anniversary. At that time a 150th Anniversary History was published, excerpts of which are highlighted below.
Photos: above left - 1880 with unpaved street; above right - 1923; center left - 1998; center right - 2007..
Our Building
Prior to 1853, the Jewish community held services in various locations. For a time they met on the second floor of 22 Baltimore Street and at 7 Washington Street. In October 1853 a parcel of land on the corner of Union and Centre Streets was purchased and in 1864, at a cost of $7,427.02, the Temple building was constructed. In 1899 the Congregation purchased a lot adjoining the rear of the Temple and erected a building for use as a parsonage. For many years Rabbis of the congregation occupied this building, and at other times the building was rented to private individuals, and used for offices. In 1923 the building was used as the Temple House, or clubhouse for members. By the mid 1930’s the building was used by the Sunday School which is its use today. In 1975, B’er Chayim Temple was listed on the National Register for Historic Places, and today is recognized as the longest continuously operating Temple building in the State of Maryland. Many changes have occurred within the building over the past 150 years; oil lamps exchanged for electric, new heating systems replacing a pot-bellied stove, carpeting, repainting, enlargement of the bimah and so on. Perhaps the most impressive change however, was the 1951 installation of memorial stained glass windows in the sanctuary, replacing plainer windows which had been in place since 1864.
Just when the first Jew came into this region cannot be established. In a letter to his brother, George Washington acknowledged the receipt of a ham, which he placed in the “safe” care of a Jewish soldier. By 1853, 12 Jewish families were 
know to be in Cumberland, which had a population of 6510. On April 27th of that year, this small group met to formalize their community. On May 23, 1853, the Legislature of Maryland passed an act incorporating “Baair Cheiim” Congregation and created its Charter.
Prior to 1853, the Jewish community held services in various locations. For a time they met on the second floor of 22 Baltimore Street and at 7 Washington Street. In October 1853 a parcel of land on the corner of Union and Centre Streets was purchased and in 1864, at a cost of $7,427.02, the Temple building was constructed.
Many changes have occurred within the building over the past 150 years; oil lamps exchanged for electric, new heating systems replacing a pot-bellied stove, carpeting, repainting, enlargement of the bimah and so on. Perhaps the most impressive change however, was the 1951 installation of memorial stained glass windows in the sanctuary, replacing plainer windows which had been in place since 1864.
