BY WWII ABOUT 20 JEWISH FAMILIES LIVED IN THE PERMIAN BASIN. THEY GATHERED FOR RELIGIOUS AND SOCIAL EVENTS AT THE MIDLAND BOMBARDIER BASE. IN 1945 THEY ESTABLISHED CONGREGATION TEMPLE BETH EL, THE ONLY SYNAGOGUE WITHIN 140 MILES. BUILT AT 4TH STREET AND WEST COUNTY ROAD IN ODESSA. IT OPENED IN SEPTEMBER 1946. THE SISTERHOOD WAS FORMED AND CONDUCTED SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES. THE FIRST FULL-TIME RABBI ARRIVED IN 1952 BUT LAYMEN OR VISITING RABBIS ALWAYS HAVE LED SERVICES. WHEN MEMBERSHIP GREW TO 60 FAMILIES A LARGER LOCATION WAS BUILT AT REDBUD AND GRANDVIEW STREETS IN 1961. MEMBERSHIP TOTALED 112 PEOPLE IN 1982 AND IS NOW 75 FAMILIES. THE TEMPLE AFFILIATED WITH BOTH CONSERVATIVE AND REFORM MOVEMENTS AFTER 1982.