In the winter of 1988, a small group of Orthodox Jews living in the Woodmere / Cedarhurst area began davening in peoples' homes with two  purposes in mind: to daven in a proper fashion, with concentration and devotion to Hashem, and to learn and study Torah in a proper environment.

Later that year, a shul was established on the corner of Peninsula Blvd. and Edward Avenue. In keeping with its ideals, the shul took on the name Congregation Bais Tefilah. With barely a minyan during its first few weeks, the shul took on a life of its own, took root, and began to thrive and grow.