A South Carolina Historical Marker dedication ceremony was held on September 12, 2021, on the grounds of Beth Israel. Multiple generations of Beth Israel Congregation members were in attendance. Members of Florence City Council also attended to express their support of Florence’s Jewish Community. The Jewish people have had a rich history in Florence for nearly two centuries. After forming a community in the 1850’s, the city began to grow. In 1887, the local Jews began the Hebrew Benevolent Association. In 1912, Beth Israel Congregation was born and the two institutions merged in 1922. Though the Hebrew Benevolent Society remains its own separate entity. The synagogue was built in 1949; with additions completed in 1970.
