Temple Beth Hatfiloh was organized in 1937, although the Jewish community in Olympia dates back much farther, having established the Hebrew Benevolent Society in 1873. After outgrowing their original building, Temple Beth Hatfiloh moved to their current structure in 2003. It was originally constructed in 1925 as First Church of Christ, Scientist and designed by George Foote Dunham, a prominent Portland based architect who designed several Christian Science churches. The Greek Revival style building features a central portico with Tuscan columns topped by a pediment. While the building was originally designed to serve a different religion, the site retains connections to Jewish history in Olympia as it was at one time the homestead of one of the first Jewish residents of Olympia and abuts another historic Jewish building, the Bettman House.

In addition to hosting community-serving programs and meetings at their space, Temple Beth Hatfiloh raises money for local nonprofit organizations through Blintzapalooza, their annual community fundraiser. The event started as a small bagel bake sale and grew into a huge gathering welcoming non-members for a celebration of Jewish food and books. Each year, over 2,000 people come through the temple doors to purchase bagels, blintzes, and books. Blintzapalooza is one of the ways that Temple Beth Hatfiloh fulfills the Jewish value of tzedakah, or charitable giving. Since 1988, this event has raised approximately $250,000 for over 50 projects and programs at 30 different local nonprofits.

A National Fund grant of $175,000 with $175,000 in matching funds raised by the congregation will allow Temple Beth Hatfiloh to complete urgent repairs to its upper facade and roof.

Photo by Seth Goldstein