We joined Beth Or last June. This past year has been a wonderful experience for our entire family. Our youngest child has been enrolled full time in the preschool, where he has already begun his Jewish education, along with his ABCs, As a working mom, I appreciate the opportunities he has in the extended day program. Our 8 year old told me he was glad we joined Beth Or, he got a "warm and friendly feeling here". Both children insist on saying the Shabbath prayers by themselves. My husband had a great time at the Brotherhood dinner.. I have participated in several sisterhood events and was always welcomed as a new member. There have been many events aimed at the entire family from Family Services once a month, Tot Shabbat, Sukkot, Simchat Torah, the Chanukah Party , and Purim Festival, just to name a few. Joining has brought our family closer to our Jewish heritage. We feel we are on our way to developing life long friends in the community. Thanks to everyone for a great first year.

 

I love the supportive community that I find at Beth Or.  I have made many friends here who share my values and a desire to connect both socially and spiritually.  Our clergy challenge us to explore our Jewish identity at every age and stage of life through beautiful, meaningful worship services and intellectually stimulating educational programs.  We are privileged to have top-notch professional and support staff who are skilled and personable. We are a large congregation with a warm heart.  I feel truly blessed to call this my home away from home.

 

My family and I have been congregants of Beth Or for 16 years.  During this time, we have enjoyed the most wonderful simchas - baby namings and B'nai Mitzvahs. We have also experienced the loss of beloved family members, and had one health scare. Through good times and sad times, we have always felt blessed to have Rabbi Marx, Rabbi Axler, and Cantor Green by our side.  Each of them has made such a difference in our lives.  They've helped us celebrate the good times with lots of laughter, inspiring words, and beautiful music. They've gotten us through the tough times, by listening, comforting, supporting, and caring.  We love being a part of the entire Beth Or congregation, starting right at the top with our warm and wonderful clergy.

 

Given that I was not raised in a Jewish home, we were apprehensive about joining Beth Or. Looking back we are so sorry we had any apprehension. Joining Beth Or has been one of the best decisions my husband and I have made for our family. Every member of our family has been welcomed with such open hearts and arms by the entire Beth Or Congregation. Our son has enjoyed his Preschool "family" so much that I have volunteered to be on the Preschool Committee. When our daughter was born the letters and phone calls that we received from Rabbi Marx, Rabbi Axler and the Caring Congregants Committee have motivated us to volunteer to do outreach. When my father's death was remembered with a Yahrzeit, I was so moved. Beth Or has proven to be the caring community that we wanted in our lives.