Temple Beth El, “House of God”, is a Reform synagogue. While Reform in orientation, the Temple practices liberal Judaism within an atmosphere that is warm and traditional. The Temple, which is affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism, strives to be a center for religious observance, for Hebrew and cultural education, and for family and social life.
Temple Beth El is open year round to its congregants and many visitors. Celebration of each of the holidays on the Jewish calendar enables the congregation to experience and become part of the history and traditions of Judaism, to share these with friends and neighbors, and to strengthen Jewish identity. For members drawn to activity and service there are ample opportunities for doing mitzvot for the Temple and our community through our Sisterhood, Men’s Club, and Youth Groups.
A sampling of Temple Beth El offerings to the Jewish community include:
- Religious services for all holidays year round.
- A warm and caring Rabbi who provides guidance and officiates at all life cycle events from baby namings to funerals, weddings, and pastoral care.
- A Religious School and Hebrew school taught by caring teachers
- Bar and Bat Mitzvah education and services
- Confirmation
- Adult Education
- Auxiliary Groups – Men’s Club & Sisterhood
- Junior and Senior Youth Groups
- Social Action Committee
- College Committee
- All life-cycle needs of Jewish families
- Judaica Shop
- Cemetery
- The Menorah – our monthly newsletter
The Temple began in 1950 with ten Jewish families using space in a local church. Eventually they built a fairly small building on Route 22, where they grew into a much larger congregation. Our Rabbi, Laurie Gold, has been with the Temple since June of 2018.
History of our temple and including old photographs of our Temple’s founders
Mission Statement
We offer an opportunity for those wishing to explore, experience, and celebrate Judaism in a Reform setting, fostering a warm and friendly community devoted to enriching our members’ lives.
Values Statement
Temple Beth El is committed to:
- Maintaining a warm and welcoming spiritual home for all without regard to gender, race, sexual orientation and interfaith composition of the family
- Involving our diverse congregation in Temple life
- Fully embracing all who join or wish to join us
- Lifelong learning for our children and adults
- Strengthening our connection to our local communities
- Supporting our congregants in living a Jewish life guided by Jewish values, mitzvoth (good deeds) and tikkun olam (healing the world)
Interfaith
Many of our families come from mixed faiths and backgrounds.
Lifestyles
Our congregation includes multi-generational families, families with and without children, LBGT friendly, converts to Judaism and families from a wide range of races and backgrounds.
Communities
Our congregates come from: Amawalk, Baldwin Place, Bethel CT, Brewster, Brookfield CT, Carmel, Crompond, Danbury CT, Goldens Bridge, Holmes, Hopewell Junction, Katonah, Kent Lakes, Lagrangeville, Mahopac, Mt Kisco, New Fairfield CT, Newtown CT, North Salem, Patterson, Pawling, Poughquag, Ridgefield CT, Roxbury CT, Somers, Southbury CT, Stormville, Wappinger Falls and many more communities both near and far.