A reform congregation serving the Jewish communities of Fountain Hills and the east/northeast Valley since 2003, plans to dissolve after observing the High Holy days in September.

“People seem to be losing interest,” said vice president, Sandy Borken. As few as six or eight members attend services, he said, although the congregation’s membership totals about 50. President is Ronnie Sue Taxin.

Financial struggles and an aging membership also are contributing factors for disbanding the congregation, said Borken. The last service will be Oct. 12, followed by dissolution Oct. 15.

A social group of friends, called a havurah, may be formed, said Borken.

The congregation has held Shabbat monthly services in The Fountains Methodist Church. Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah will be observed Sept. 18 and 19.

A second Jewish congregation, Chabad Lubavitch of Fountain Hills, welcomes Jews regardless of affiliation. The group has been renovating the former Gridleys of Fountain Hills retail store on the Avenue of the Fountains into an education/worship center.

Beth Havigot was born in 2003 when the Shalom Fountain Hills social group was converted to a synagogue, according to Beth Hagivot’s website.

The first religious leader was Cantor Howard Tabaknek. Services were held either at the Fountain Hills Community Center or at the Kiwanis Club.

The first Torah was borrowed from Temple Israel. Later, a member located the present Torah at a temple in Philadelphia. It was purchased by Terry and Marty Brown. The first service was in May 2003 in the Community Center.

The first ark was built and donated by a local carpenter. The present ark was built and donated by the son of Norma and Al Banen in honor of their 50th wedding anniversary.

The chain on the Torah Pointer was the only surviving religious artifact rescued from a German synagogue that was burned down on Kristallnacht in 1938. It was donated by congregant Harry Sommers, the son of a member of the shul that was destroyed by the Nazis.