Temple Philosophy
Temple Beth Am is a small Conservative congregation which, since its inception in 1960, has been affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. Our founding members wanted a different type of Conservative synagogue.
Why is our shul different from all other shuls?
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Full Egalitarianism - women and men are equal in all religious and administrative capacities.
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Children and adults of all ages are encouraged to learn and to participate fully in all events
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Large enough to be a community, but small enough for everyone to be involved
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Your most valuable contributions come in the form of your participation
Family Atmosphere
In keeping with our philosophy that family attendance at services should not be limited by the attention span of the youngest member, our sanctuary is equipped with a toy and book corner for young children. Children of all ages are encouraged to participate in the service to the extent of their knowledge and abilities.
The first Friday of each month is our Early Family Service. The service runs from 6 pm to 6:30 with children invited to lead parts of the service and a children's story.
Programs
We are a friendly, people-oriented congregation that has a unique sense of community which emphasizes the importance both of individuals and families.
Members of all ages and from a large range of religious and educational backgrounds are all important contributors to our community.
We pride ourselves on our flexibility and provide various social, education, and religious opportunities for personal growth through learning and celebrations.
Our events include:
- A Rosh Hashanah Tashlich service within two blocks of the building.
- Informal luncheons and dinners to celebrate festivals
- Synagogue skills classes
- Annual summer picnic
- A lively Purim celebration including hamentaschen for all
- School and family events at which all are welcome
- Shabbat dinners including the annual Shabbat Across America program
- Small-Shul Collaborative scholar-in-residence programs
Egalitarianism
Temple Beth Am was the first Conservative congregation in the Rochester area to have full religious participation of both men and women.
Education
Our children attend the Irondequoit Hebrew Studies Center, and their Jewish education is supplemented with additional prayer study and participation in services and other activities at Temple Beth Am
Religious Services
We prefer to have a lively service with melodies, rather than one which mainly chanting or silent prayer. Friday evening services are conducted in a balanced mix of Hebrew and English. The prayerbook has transliteration for most of the Hebrew. The service often includes a discussion topic on the Torah or other timely subjects. Saturday morning services have more Hebrew with lots of participatory singing and an involved Torah Service. It is very important to us that services are meaningful to everyone.
On the third Saturday morning of each month, the Temple hosts a havurah group made up of members of local synagogues as well as unaffiliated families. The more informal service, led by many of the participants, is followed by a pot-luck vegetarian lunch at a havurah member's home.
Guests are always welcome at our services. Please see the schedule by clicking on "Services".
