Our Mission & Vision
Dedicated
We draw on Judaism’s wisdom to nourish a spiritual, educational, and cultural community. We also reach beyond our walls, taking pride in building bridges, promoting dialogue, and creating a world of justice and peace – the work we call Tikkun Olam
Dynamic
We believe that Judaism evolves from generation to generation. Inspired by our traditions, we embrace change; we question, and seek meaningful answers. In this way, our community is both timeless and timely.
Diverse
We know that we are better together, and we see our diversity as a blessing. We value accessibility, inclusion and integrity. We continue to grow a community which embraces Jews by birth, Jews by choice, and all those who support them.
But don’t just take our word for it…
Inclusion at Temple
Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom is more than a synagogue – it’s a community!
We are a warm and welcoming congregation of members of all ages, abilities, sexual orientations, family configurations and backgrounds. We are committed to creating a place of worship where Jews by birth, Jews by choice, Jews at heart, and those who love them truly feel at home.
Here at Temple, our efforts are guided by our commitment to promote inclusion, engage the community and eliminate barriers. We have a committee made up of leadership, professionals, parents and other congregants who are dedicated to working together on our collective Inclusion journey. Thanks to the hard work of the Special Needs Working Group, we’ve received a grant from the Miriam Foundation to support our All Abilities Inclusion Project. To learn more about our Inclusion Journey click here.
Our History
More than one hundred years ago they met, barely 36 in number, to put their names to this declaration:
“We, the undersigned Israelites of this city, recognizing the necessity of preserving Judaism in all its pristine glory, and making it clear and comprehensible to the raising generation, are in favour of organizing a progressive congregation and to discuss the best means to reach this desirable object, at a meeting called for this purpose.”
They were the founders; and the Congregation to which they gave the name of Temple Emanu-El held its first service during High Holy Days of 1882.
