Welcome to Temple Beth Am

Why is our shul different from all other shuls?

• No Temple Dues. No Building Fund Pledge. We exist because our members choose to support us in whatever way they are able.

• Children and adults of all ages are encouraged to learn and to participate fully in all services and events

• Everyone's voice is heard, and we can move quickly to try new things

• Your most valuable contributions come in the form of your participation

Our Philosophy

We are 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. We believe in every voice being heard, innovation within tradition, and that synagogue involvement should not be tied to financial requirements. We also place a great deal of importance on learning at all ages and levels. Children are welcome in our services and encouraged to help out in a variety of roles.

We also believe in cooperating with similar-minding congregations in our community, and towards that end hold a few joint services every month.

Until recently, the congregation was located in Henrietta. It relocated to Brighton to be closer to the center of the Rochester Jewish community and to be able to focus its volunteer and financial resources on serving that community.

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.

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:

• Informal luncheons and dinners to celebrate Shabbat and festivals
• Synagogue skills classes
• Annual summer picnic
• A lively Purim celebration including hamentaschen for all
• Services on all major (and several minor) Jewish holidays
• Annual Shabbat Across America program
• Small-Shul Collaborative monthly Torah study

Egalitarianism

Temple Beth Am was the first Conservative congregation in the Rochester area to have complete religious participation of both men and women.

Education

Private and group lessons are available on request in a variety of areas for any age/level, adult or child.

Religious Services

We prefer to have a lively service with melodies, rather than one which involves 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 a participatory Torah Service. It is very important to us that services are meaningful to everyone.

Guests are always welcome at our services. Please see the schedule by clicking on "Services".