Who We Are

We are a friendly, caring community that is committed to creating a Jewish spiritual home where people of all backgrounds can feel comfortable. Our goal is to provide an open and intellectually challenging learning environment where individuals of all ages and backgrounds can wrestle with the issues that confront them daily. We believe that learning and studying can translate into a meaningful commitment toward Tikkun Olam: making the world a better place.

Founded in 1980 by Rabbi Rami Shapiro, Beth Or is an open-minded community that values diversity. We are small by design and desire, and are committed to maintaining our ability to know each other in an environment of being haimish and informal.

Our prayer, learning, and celebrations are marked with a blend of tradition and innovation. We are not afraid to be creative and take pains to root that creativity in the texts and textures of our tradition. Our services are egalitarian, participatory and friendly. They invite you to become involved by teaching the words and concepts that make Jewish prayer powerful. Marked by dialogue, our services invite your questions and discuss your concerns.

Beth Or is a house of meeting, prayer, study, comfort and joy. But most importantly, it is a Home. We dedicate ourselves to prayer, learning, celebration and acts of Tikkun Olam.