Phoenix's first Jewish synagogue, (then) Temple Beth Israel, was built in 1921, and served as both a synagogue and community center. When congregation Beth Israel outgrew the building, it was sold to the Southern Baptist Convention in 1949. Later, it became Phoenix’s first Chinese-speaking Christian church. In 1981, the First Chinese Baptist Church sold the building to a Mexican Baptist Church, Iglesia Bautistia Central.

Today, the oldest Jewish building central Phoenix is home to the Arizona Jewish Historical Society's Cutler-Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center, which regularly hosts faith- and community-related activities and events. In addition, visitors can tour the historic building and spend time in the museum gallery, which hosts artwork and exhibits. In 2021, the building celebrated 100 years.