Temple Beth Am

Temple Beth Am is a small Conservative congregation which, since its inception in 1960, has been affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. Our founding members wanted a different type of Conservative synagogue. Previously located in Henrietta, the congregation moved to Elmwood Avenue where it occupies a space at Temple B'rith Kodesh.

The synagogue differentiates itself in several ways:

• Full Egalitarianism - women and men are equal in all religious and administrative capacities

• School Program with a unique individualized approach to Jewish learning for both children and adults

• Large enough to be a community, but small enough for everyone to be involved

Family Atmosphere

In keeping with our philosophy that family attendance at services should not be limited by the attention span of the youngest member, the sanctuary is equipped with a toy and book corner for young children. Children of all ages are encouraged to participate in the service to the extent of their knowledge and abilities.

Programs

The temple is a friendly, people-oriented congregation that has a unique sense of community which emphasizes the importance both of individuals and families.

Members of all ages and from a large range of religious and educational backgrounds are all important contributors to our community.

They pride themselves on their flexibility and provide various social, education, and religious opportunities for personal growth through learning and celebrations.

Annual events include:

• A Rosh Hashanah Tashlich service within two blocks of the building.
  

• Informal luncheons and dinners to celebrate festivals
  

• Synagogue skills classes
  

• Annual summer picnic
  

• A lively Purim celebration including hamentaschen for all
  

• School and family events at which all are welcome
  

• Shabbat dinners including the annual Shabbat Across America program
  

• Small-Shul Collaborative scholar-in-residence programs

Egalitarianism

Temple Beth Am was the first Conservative congregation in the Rochester area to have full religious participation of both men and women.

Religious Services

Services are lively with melodies, rather than one which mainly chanting or silent prayer. Friday evening services are conducted in a balanced mix of Hebrew and English. The prayerbook has transliteration for most of the Hebrew. The service often includes a discussion topic on the Torah or other timely subjects. Saturday morning services have more Hebrew with lots of participatory singing and an involved Torah Service. It is very important to us that services are meaningful to everyone.

Guests are always welcome at the services. Weekly Shabbat services are Friday evenings at 7:00 pm and Saturday mornings at 10:00 am. Services are also held on all major holidays.

On the 2nd Shabbat of the month, the Saturday morning service is held at Congregation Beth Hamedresh - Beth Israel at 1369 East Ave at 9:30 am and on the 4th Shabbat of the month, the Saturday morning service is at 9:00 am at Ohel Avraham at Nazareth College. On the 3rd Shabbat of the month, Friday evening services are at 6:00 pm at Nazareth College. On the 5th Shabbat of the month, the Friday evening service is held at Congregation Beth Hamedresh - Beth Israel at 7:00 pm.

Accessibility

The synagogue and services are accessible to all. A sign language interpreter or Braille prayerbook is available upon advance request.

Membership

Membership information is available from the Temple office (334-4855). There are a variety of membership levels and are always willing to accommodate special needs. There are also offer incentives for new members.

Location

The synagogue is located in Room 103 of the education wing of Temple B'rith Kodesh, at 2131 Elmwood Avenue.