Congregation Beth Israel is an egalitarian, Conservative congregation, affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, grounded in Halacha, and dedicated to being a center of scholarship, community, and worship. We are committed to providing all of our members a place in which they can pray, study, observe Shabbat and the festivals, and mark lifecycle events.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
I Adult Education - We provide congregants with significant and on-going opportunities to learn and study Torah, Halacha (Jewish law), liturgy, egalitarianism, and traditional Judaism. Our Rabbi and Hazzan are integrally involved in these activities, along with scholars-in-residence and lay leaders.
II Youth Programming and Education - We engage and educate our youth through activities such as Shabbat programming, B´nai Mitzvah training and study, support for a congregational school and youth groups.
III Family Programming - Such programming involves families more fully in the communal life of Congregation Beth Israel, enhances Jewish values, and encourages observance at home, particularly in congregants´ daily lives and for life cycle events. Family programming provides intergenerational opportunities for celebration and observance and is the entry point for young families to become engaged in synagogue life.
IV Ritual - Ritual observance and our traditions are essential to our identity as a unique, Conservative synagogue. Our Rabbi is the Mara D´Atra (religious authority) of our synagogue. The Ritual Committee provides the sounding board for halachic issues. Our ritual observance includes an openness to newcomers.
V Gemilut Hasadim - Our clergy and our Geimilut Hasadim committee respond to members swiftly and with sensitivity during times of need, including birth, illness, and death.
VI Membership - We engage new members immediately, frequently and continuously in a warm and friendly manner. Our Rabbi and Hazzan lead these efforts, and our committee and lay volunteers focus on effective outreach to prospective members and the welcoming of new members.
VII Tikkun Olam - We participate in the repair of the world through both Congregation Beth Israel-initiated activities and through collaborative projects with other synagogues and organizations. These efforts encourage congregants to move out to the broader community.
VIII Chevra Kadisha - We encourage the continued involvement of Congregation Beth Israel members in this important community group.
IX Management and Administration- All matters dealing with employees and members of the congregation involve respect for everyone´s right to confidentiality and the preservation of the dignity of everyone who is part of the Congregation Beth Israel community. All officers, trustees and staff members support and emulate these principles.
X Auxiliaries - Congregation Beth Israel recognizes the importance of a vital and active Sisterhood and Men´s Club and supports and encourages their activities.
This Mission Statement and the Guiding Principles were accepted unanimously by the Board of Trustees of Congregation Beth Israel on the 11 th of Shevat 5763/January 13, 2003.
