About Us

Kehillat Bet Hamidrash (KBH) – Kempsville Conservative Synagogue – celebrated its 45th Anniversary in 2023-2024.   Formed in 1978 as a merger between two earlier groups, Kehillat Yisrael and Bet Hamidrash, KBH continues its contributions to the Jewish community in Virginia Beach and the Tidewater area.  In the early days, the congregation moved from a storefront, to churches, and then the Beth Sholom Home.  In 1983, the congregation negotiated and purchased a house and three acres fronting Providence Road and turned the residence into a “house of worship.”

After acquiring additional acreage, the congregation commenced construction on a new building, conducting its first Shabbat and bat mitzvah in 1990 in the nearly completed structure.  During this Shabbat and after ten years of lay leadership, the congregation’s friend, supporter and high holiday officiant Rabbi Sam Sobel designated M. David Proser as our official chazzan (cantor).  In addition to weekly Shabbat and all holiday services, Chazzan Proser conducts weddings, funerals, and all other life cycle events.

In September 2025, KBH invited the Tidewater community to join us in our Hachnasat Sefer Torah (transfer of the Torah scroll) as we moved to our new home on the Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus of the Tidewater Jewish Community.  We remain a member of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ), continue to share the religious philosophy of our local sister congregations and participate in the activities offered to USCJ affiliates.   KBH maintains a nearly two-decade programming partnership with Norfolk’s Temple Israel, regularly sharing scheduled social, educational, and religious events.

Though small, the congregation comprises individuals committed to a vibrant Jewish community and service.  Visit us in the Kempsville section of Virginia Beach on Shabbat morning service and stay for Kiddushluncheon to learn and/or schmooze.  Feel the camaraderie of a holiday service.  Celebrate the joy of Simchat Torah and Purim or spin the dreidel during Chanukah.  Visit us and become a part of our welcoming community!