Temple Beth El invites community to learn about Judaism
Temple Beth El invites the community to learn more about Judaism.
Temple Beth El has been at the corner of Victoria and Central avenues in Riverside since 1964. Its diverse congregation of about 200 is dedicated to worship, study and social responsibility.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Temple Beth El shifted to offering services and classes virtually and has remained online since. In-person Friday night services in the synagogue’s sanctuary were restarted this month and Rabbi Suzanne Singer plans on offering them in person and virtually in coming months.
“In terms of preserving a presence and a resource, it is important to have a synagogue,” Singer said. “You belong because you want community, continuity and to ensure that there is something here for future generations.”
Temple Beth El offers adult education and religious school for pre-kindergarten through 10th grade. In addition, the synagogue hosts junior and senior youth groups that meet monthly for social activities. Every year, the adult education program brings in speakers that cover topics such as anti-Semitism, Jewish composers and Holocaust remembrance.
The next lecture Temple Beth-El will host is “Understanding the Changing Nature of Modern Anti-Semitism,” presented by Steven Windmueller. The talk will cover the issues of contemporary hate in America, Israel and beyond. Windmueller is the Rabbi Alfred Gottschalk Emeritus Professor of Jewish Communal Studies at the Jack H. Skirball Campus of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Los Angeles. Individuals interested in the talk can join via Zoom on Thursday, Oct. 7, at 6 p.m. The community is welcome, and more information can be found on the Temple’s website.
Temple Beth El has a discretionary fund to offer programs and is the recipient of an annual grant from a donor-advised fund at the Inland Empire Community Foundation that supports its education programs.
“I wish we weren’t such an unknown and more a part of people’s consciousness,” Singer said. “People are more than welcome to come to any of our services.”
One of the most popular services for those who are not members of the congregation is “Bring Your Own Menorah,” which occurs Dec. 3, the fifth night of the eight days of Hanukkah. Those attending the service light the candles on their own menorah. On this night, participants will be lighting six of the nine candles on their menorah, making for a beautiful festive service, Singer said.
Another popular service is Simchat Torah, which will be Sept. 27. This service honors the Torah, which is a scroll inscribed with the five books of Moses. The synagogue’s Torah is taken from its ark and unfurled to its full impressive length. The congregation then reads from sections of the scroll in a joyful celebration.
Temple Beth El also offers introductory classes on Judaism for people who are curious and would like to learn more about the religion or who wish to convert. The synagogue also opens its doors to students from La Sierra University and California Baptist University every year. Students learn background information about Judaism and attend a service.
The synagogue’s congregation stands in solidarity with other minority ethnic groups and Singer has led advocacy efforts through local interfaith organizations. She currently serves as a member of the Reform movement’s Commission on Social Action. As the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, Singer said she has a heightened awareness of the need to make the world a better place. She encourages the community to learn more about its neighbors and participate in the political process.
“Stay involved and don’t give up,” Singer said. “For me, and centrally as part of Jewish values, social justice is very important.”
Info: 951-684-4511 or https://www.tberiv.org/.