The history of Jews in Oshkosh dates back to 1870-80 when the Wisconsin Jewish Archives indicate that there were two to three Jewish merchants in the community.

In 1895 there were enough families to form an organization that received recognition from the State of Wisconsin as a religious congregation. On May 9, 1895, with fewer than 15 families, B'Nai Israel (Children of Israel) became a congregation. There was no sanctuary at that time so religious services were held at the home of a member.

By 1902, the congregation began to look for a permanent building to use as a synagogue. A piece of property was purchased at the corner of 9th and Nebraska. A small, 30 year old parochial building from Peace Lutheran Church at the corner of 8th Avenue was then purchased and moved to the property.

Rabbi Louis M. Edelson became the congregation's first Rabbi; he served for 33 years. The first wedding was held on December 26, 1904, when Abe Segal married Bertha Scholomovitz.

The congregation remained in its first building until 1948, when a new Temple was built at the present location of 1121 Algoma Blvd. The building was dedicated on May 15, 1949. Originally Orthodox, the congregation joined the Reform movement when it moved into the new building.

In 1960, because more space was needed for the religious school, the classroom section of the building was constructed.