Below you will find a "snapshot" of our congregation.
This brief description reflects the diversity and richness of
our programs. However, it does not really do justice to the energy
and enthusiasm of our congregation or to the friendliness and
commitment that make this such a wonderful community of which
to be part.
Beth El Temple Center offers you a place to belong...
- a vibrant and growing community of approximately 400 member
families/singles
- a relationship with the national network of 800+ Reform congregations
in the United States through our membership in the Union for Reform Judaism
- a strong commitment to welcoming all Jews and their
families (e.g., intermarried couples, gay and lesbian Jews, Jews
with disabilities)
- a completely egalitarian tradition (women can and do lead
services and receive honors)
- a range of Outreach programs to address the special needs
of interfaith families, Jews-By-Choice and others who want to
be part of the Jewish community
- Brotherhood and Sisterhood programs
- programs for seniors and older adults
- active youth groups for both junior high and high school students
Beth El Temple Center offers you warm and inspiring leadership...
- a full-time rabbi, Rabbi Jonathan E. Kraus
- a distinguished rabbi emeritus, Rabbi Earl Grollman
- a full-time educator, Candice Wesson
- a full-time cantor, Cantor Geoffrey Fine
Beth El Temple Center offers you a place for learning and
living Torah...
- a complete religious education program (Sunday and Hebrew
school) for students from pre-school through high school
- an exciting range of adult education programs and classes
- monthly "Lunch with the Rabbi" series
- weekly Torah discussion on Shabbat mornings
- adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah program
- monthly Jewish philosophy study group
- family learning programs (including a complete holiday workshop
series)
- a periodic "Cradle Roll" program for preschool aged
children and their parents to learn about Jewish holidays and
Jewish living
- a "Family Shabbat Experience" on the first Friday
night of the month--brief, informal service followed by a pot
luck Shabbat dinner
Beth El Temple Center offers you a place to help repair
the world...
- an exciting social action program that reflects our commitment
to social justice
- annual fundraisers to help those in need
- participation in the "Walk-For-Hunger"
- volunteer work at local hospitals and food pantries
- food and clothing collections to aid the needy
- partnership with local churches to combat racism
- interfaith activities to build understanding and tolerance
Beth El Temple Center offers you a place to nurture your
soul...
- weekly Shabbat services on Friday night and Saturday mornings
throughout the year
- morning minyan services (including Torah reading) at 7:00
a.m. on Mondays and Thursdays as well as at 9:00 a.m. on Sundays
- High Holiday services for the two days of Rosh Hashanah and
for Yom Kippur
- services for all the festivals
- monthly Tot Shabbat service for preschool children
and their families
- monthly "Junior Congregation" service led by our
4th-7th grade students
