about us

Congregation Beth El is a vibrant and growing Reform Jewish congregation dedicated to Jewish learning, worship and acts of loving kindness. The synagogue was organized in 1944 by 35 families as a liberal congregation guided by a reverence for tradition. Beth El is a member of the Union of Reform Judaism Congregations and has a current membership of approximately 500 households. Congregation Beth El welcomes individuals and families of all backgrounds who seek to explore the Jewish way of life, spiritual growth and learning. No  member is turned away for financial reasons.

Jewish tradition teaches that a synagogue is really three institutions in one:

As a Beit Midrash (House of Study), Congregation Beth El offers a wide range of adult classes, weekly Torah study, special programs and lectures. Beth El also provides a full service formal and informal youth education program including a nursery school, supplementary religious school, summer camp, youth groups, family education programs, supplementary high school and confirmation classes.

As a Bet T’filah (House of Worship) the synagogue features traditional and progressive expressions of ritual. Worship services combine contemporary, historical and original cantorial music with thought provoking and spiritually uplifting sermons and discussions on topics of Jewish ethics, history and current events.

As a Bet Knesset (House of Assembly) Beth El sponsors numerous social events, informal gatherings, interfaith meetings, social action and community service projects. Our congregation offers many opportunities for participants to meet and form lasting friendships with other members of the community while gaining Jewish knowledge and participating in Jewish activities.

Congregation Beth El Values
Inclusiveness • Jewish education for all ages • Social action and engagement • Support of Israel

For Beth El members, inclusiveness means that we welcome and cherish the diversity of our members—this includes a wide range of family composition and race, as well as of ritual observance, spiritual practice and religious belief. Beth El congregants value our many rich opportunities for ongoing Jewish education for children and adults, from nursery school and Religious school to adult b’nai mitzvah and visiting scholar programs.

At Beth El social action means supporting Jewish communities in need here and abroad, as well as making a difference in our own community through programs like our monthly homeless meal and Sukkoth in April. We understand social action as a signifi cant means of addressing current social issues and inequities.

We support Israel by taking an unequivocal stand on its right to sovereignty, and by fostering many and varied connections to Israeli culture.