Our Temple
For those considering membership, we warmly welcome you to Temple Beth-El!
Join us for a worship service or attend a program and experience the spirit of our community firsthand.
Just Visiting?
Whether you’re visiting from out of town or exploring membership to our community, we’re delighted to have you worship with us. If you know you’ll be visiting, contact Aliyah Kuchinsky, our Director of Philanthropy and Member Engagement, akuchinsky@beth-elsa.org or call 210-733-9135, Ext. 109 to be considered for the 'visitor list'.
Membership
Thinking about making Temple Beth-El your spiritual home? We invite you to explore membership and discover the warmth, connection, and meaning that come with being part of our community.
Upcoming Events
There's always something happening at Temple Beth-El! From worship and lifelong learning to social gatherings, family programs, and opportunities to give back, we invite you to explore what's coming up and find your place in our community.
What to expect on Shabbat
Shabbat, the Jewish day of rest, begins at sundown on Friday evening and ends at sundown on Saturday. It is a sacred time set apart for prayer, reflection, family, and community.
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Our Shabbat service blends music, prayer, and reflection to welcome the Sabbath and bring the community together. We begin with songs and prayers, including the lighting of the Sabbath candles and the singing of L’cha Dodi, inviting the “Sabbath Bride” into our midst. The service continues with traditional prayers, including the Sh’ma and the Amidah, which focus on God’s holiness, heritage, gratitude, and peace.
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We offer prayers for healing, for Israel and its neighbors, and for peace, followed by a sermon or presentation connected to the weekly Torah portion or a special theme. The service concludes with the Aleinu-Adoration, a memorial meditation, and the Kaddish prayer, honoring faith and remembering loved ones. We finish together with a closing song, leaving the community uplifted and connected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I attend a service if I'm not Jewish?
Whether you’re visiting from out of town or exploring membership to our community, we’re delighted to have you worship with us. If you know you’ll be visiting, please reach out to our Director of Philanthropy and Membership Engagement, Aliyah Kuchinsky, at akuchinsky@beth-elsa.org or 210-733-9135, Ext. 109 to be considered for the 'visitor list'.
Do I need to be Jewish to be a Member of Temple Beth-El?
Temple Beth-El is open to all Jews including those who are a part of an interfaith family or home or Jews by Choice.
Do I need to know how to read or speak Hebrew to attend Services?
No, Temple provides the English transliteration and translation of all Hebrew texts and prayers.
Are babies welcomed at services?
Parents and babies are welcomed throughout Temple Beth-El facilities. The Baby Care Room, designed just for parents to nurse, pump, or feed children in a quiet, private space, is also available for your use. If you choose to use this room, please know it will be available for the duration of services (including High Holy Days) and programs. Additionally, changing tables are available in all restrooms.
More question and answers coming soon.