Congregation Beth El is a synagogue in Norfolk, Virginia, founded on February 27, 1870 by Traditionalists led by Jacob Umstadter after separating from an earlier congregation. The congregation established its own house of worship on Cumberland Street later that year and traces its historical continuity through earlier traditional Jewish worship in the community. Beth El played an important role in Virginia Jewish life, including hosting the first Hadassah chapter organized in the state. Under Rabbi Paul Reich, who joined in 1934 and served for 33 years, the congregation grew from 100 families to more than 800. Under Rabbi Louis Goldberg's leadership, Beth El became one of the 13 charter members of the United Synagogue of America, now the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.