Congregation Beth Israel Ner Tamid – Nurturing minds and souls through learning, praying, and caring.
We are a Kehillah Kedoshah, a sacred community, nurturing minds and souls, fostering love and commitment to Judaism and the Jewish people, passing our Jewish faith and traditions from generation to generation.
Our egalitarian, Conservative beliefs preserve and honor the teachings of Torah and Halakhah in the context of an ever-changing modern world. We believe in the importance of Klal Yisrael, the community of the Jewish people, and are committed to supporting the State of Israel.
We empower people to live their Judaism in its totality: within the synagogue’s walls, at home and in the community at large.
The Midrash tells us that Abraham and Sarah’s tent was open on all four sides to welcome travelers from all directions. Our Kehillah’s tent also has four open walls through which people connect to their Judaism: Prayer, Learning, Community, and Tikkun Olam.
Prayer
We recognize that prayer is a challenging endeavor and aspire to create an atmosphere where everyone can engage in a meaningful prayer experience. We ensure that every member of our community enjoys equality within our framework of worship. Our Kehillah encourages active participation and provides congregants with the skills to serve as shl’khei tzibbur (prayer leaders) and ba’alei koreh (Torah readers).
Learning
We provide everyone, young and old, beginning and advanced, with opportunities to deepen and expand their knowledge of Judaism through the study of Jewish texts, Jewish music, Hebrew language and other facets of our tradition. We encourage honest, intellectual inquiry and creative interpretation of our texts and traditions in a manner that is both respectful and appreciative.
Community
Through Gemilut Hasadim (deeds of loving kindness), we enrich our lives and connect as an inclusive spiritual family. Together we share moments of great joy, support each other during times of personal challenge, and comfort each other when enduring profound loss.
Tikkun Olam
Inspired by our tradition, we are united in the sacred task of making the world a better place through tzedakah and social action.
The Mission Statement, Values and the Guiding Principles were accepted by the Board of Trustees of Congregation Beth Israel Ner Tamid on March 11, 2013.