September 16, 1906: Herzl Congregation was founded by a group of progressive Orthodox Sephardic Jews. Just two years after his death, the synagogue was named for Theodore Herzl who is credited for the Zionist movement – urging Jews to establish their own homeland in the land of Israel.
1909: Cornerstone was laid for a synagogue on 16th Avenue and East Fir.
September 22, 1911: The new building opens for High Holiday services. Herzl’s first rabbi, Rabbi Ludwig Brooks, had the honor of officiating. He served the congregation from 1895-1905.
1925: Herzl Congregation moved into a larger permanent building on the corner of Spruce and 20th in Seattle’s Central District. This building served the congregation for more than 40 years.
1929: Herzl Congregation voted to become a part of the Conservative movement.
1932: Herzl officially becomes a Conservative synagogue.
1965: Congregation Ner Tamid is established as a Conservative synagogue.
1966: Congregation Ner Tamid purchases a building at 15655 Lake Hills Boulevard in Bellevue.
Late 1960s: The decision was made for Herzl Congregation to be merged with Ner Tamid Congregation. The merge officially happens in 1970.
June 7, 1970: Ground is broken for the new building, located on Mercer Island. This follows the trend of Seattle Jews moving out into the suburbs.
November 20, 1971: Patty Wilner becomes the first Bat Mitzvah at Herzl-Ner Tamid.