Inclusivity at Temple Beth-El
Read about our Spirit Room our multi-age community of students who have a variety of learning needs and diagnoses including but not limited to ADHD, ASD, and Sensory Processing Disorder.
At Temple Beth-El, we treasure diversity and welcome congregants who are young, senior, single, married, Jews-by-Choice, interfaith couples and families, LGBTQ+ people, those with disabilities, and anyone interested in learning more about Judaism.
Through programs and worship, we make every effort to ensure that our community is inclusive, and all who come here feel welcome.
The clergy welcome officiating at interfaith life cycle events including weddings, LGBTQ+ lifecycle events, we mark transgender Day of Visibility, and celebrate Pride Month, we acknowledge Mental Health Awareness Month, and have a mental health professional as a liaison to the Temple. We additionally work in partnership with Keshet to support children with disabilities and their families.
Our inclusive environment supports:
- Shabbat and holiday programs designed for families with special needs
- Religious school accommodations including The Spirit Room, staffed by an occupational therapist and Jewish educator
- Building accessibility for people with disabilities
Inclusion Team:
We have an inclusion team that meets regularly. To join, email Rabbi Ari.
Our Mission: To assure that all who are present at Temple Beth-El are able to participate in spiritual, educational, social, celebratory and life cycle experiences.
Our Vision: We are a community that practices a Judaism that helps us thrive and make the world a better place.
Our Belief: We are inspired by the rabbinic teaching, “Kol Yisrael arevim zeh bazeh,” or “All Israel is responsible one for the other.” We understand this expansively to refer to “all people.” This belief compels us to view inclusion as reciprocal, rooted in empathy, dignity, and equity. By prioritizing this culture of diversity and inclusion, we can realize our vision.
