History

In 1981 a handful of island families incorporated The Jewish Community Association of Hilton Head and began holding services on a regular basis in the Fellowship Hall of the First Presbyterian Church.

By 1985 our congregation became known as Congregation Beth Yam, or "House by the Sea". Our membership began to grow, representing a wide diversity of backgrounds, both religious and geographical. Most of the members live on the island full time while other make Hilton Head their home only part of the year.

As a Jewish congregation we came together bonded by a desire to strengthen our roots in this lovely resort and retirement community, and in so doing, build a wealth of meaningful traditions. With great pride, on January 14, 1990, we dedicated our building and became the first Jewish house of worship on Hilton Head Island.