Jews arrived in the historic seaport of Georgetown, S.C. in the mid 1700s and by 1800,  were a small but important portion of the population.  Abraham and Solomon Cohen along with Mordecai Myers, were some of the founders of the early mercantile business in Georgetown.              

Although proportionally only 10% of the white population, Jews held a disproportionately large role in civic life.  Before the beginning of the 20^th century, there had been 5 Jewish intendants - or mayors - of the city: Solomon Cohen, Abraham Myers, Aaron Lopez, Solomon Cohen, Jr., and Louis Erlich.  In the recent 20^th century, Sylvan Rosen was the 6^th Jewish mayor of Georgetown.  His brother, Meyer Rosen, practiced law in an office on Screven Street.   Over time, the children of these families grew up and moved away, leaving a declining Jewish population.

Five faithful members of the founding families we affectionately call the "Elders:" Rita Fogel, Alwyn Goldstein, Philip Schneider,(obm), and Debbie Abrams continued to hold services, although abbreviated, every Friday night. The future looked grim.   Beth Elohim had even given away one of its Torahs and was considering closing its doors and selling the building.  With an influx of new people to the Grand Strand in the early 2000's, and the leadership of Elizabeth Moses, there has been a growth in the Reform community and a need to be fulfilled.   There is now a temple community of 47  families who are involved in the congregation.  Services are held every Friday night and an Oneg (social function) is held the second and fourth Friday of each month.  A great deal of work has been done to the  building and grounds, as well as to the interior.  Our congregation is proud of Temple Beth Elohim's history and strives to ensure its future.