Congregation Beth Israel was incorporated in May 1918, and construction of its new synagogue began that summer. The cornerstone was laid at 33 Grafton St. on July 4, 1918, and the building was dedicated on Sept. 1. It served European immigrants who worked in the shipyards, and at its peak, during the 1940s and ‘50s, had 200 families and a vibrant Hebrew school. Dwindling membership led to its closure around 2007.
