Membership

Welcome to Temple Beth Hillel

What is a Reform Congregation with a Warm Approach to Tradition?

Up until the European Enlightenment, and the beginning of Reform Judaism in the seventeenth century, there was only one option for religious Jews. Since the founding of the Reform Movement, and subsequently the Conservative Movement, there are many choices for Jewish religious expression. I’m fond of saying that Temple Beth Hillel practices “authentic Reform Judaism.”

What I mean is that the early Reformers wished to be bound only to the ethics, but free to observe, practice, and relate to God in a way that was meaningful to them. The problem is, that as they reached out to embrace freedom of choice, they immediately began to create a “Reform Orthodoxy” by announcing those things that Reform Jews don’t do: believe in the Messianic Age, wear a kipa, keep a kosher home, and a whole set of observances they deemed to be outdated. The Reform Movement has since learned, that many of the traditions discarded 300 years ago do have, for many, redeeming value.

Our staff and our teachers do not edit traditional Judaism. They present it all, with the pointed reminder that Reform Jews are obligated to the ethics and morals of Judaism, but have the freedom to choose their customs and ceremonies according to their need. “No freedom” regarding ethics and morals, “complete freedom” regarding custom and belief. Thus we are required to offer, as a Reform Congregation, maximum education and maximum opportunity for observance. When it comes to judgement, there is no judgement, no religious caste system; no Reform Jew (based on practices of customs and ceremonies) is closer to God then the next. With regard to ethics and morals, there is judgement. A high level of adherence to the morality of Torah is expected.

Thus a “Reform Congregation with a warm approach to tradition” announces to everyone, that this is a place where you can come and you can learn about God, by studying theism, as well as humanism. You can come and wear a kipa or not, keep kosher or not, and no one will be judged. Temple Beth Hillel, an inclusive congregation in the fullest meaning of the term, welcomes you to authentic Reform Judaism.

Shalom,

Rabbi James Lee Kaufman

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Prospective Members

Temple Beth Hillel has a well earned reputation for being a friendly and inclusive community. We offer many life enriching opportunities of involvement. The very best way to find out if Temple Beth Hillel is the right fit for you is to come visit. Non members are welcome to attend Shabbat services and a wide array of activities. We send a weekly list of activities to our members and interested non-members in our “TBH Eletter.” At any time you may add your name to and remove your name from the “TBH Eletter.” Our pre-school, Day school and Religious School will more than happy to answer all your questions and give you a tour of the schools. The Executive Director is also available to give tours of the entire synagogue campus and to answer any questions.

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Membership Application

Download Membership Application Form

Request A Tour

For a personal tour of the facility with our Executive Director call (818) 763-9148 or click here. Please share with us if you are interested in speaking with our Director of Early Childhood Education, Director of Religious School or the Director of the Day School.

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Dues Philosophy

Temple Beth Hillel is an independent 501(c)3 not-for-profit religious organization. Since our inception in 1946, we have been a member organization of the Reform Movement. However, the Temple is not supported by any outside organization. Our operational costs are paid for in three ways:

1) Dues
2) Fees - such as school registration fees
3) Fundraising

Each of these income sources are vital. Members are responsible for the financial condition of the Temple, including supporting the Temple. Every year, the entire membership reviews and approves/disapproves the budgeted expenses and dues/fees at the annual congregational meeting. Members are encouraged to contact the Treasurer or the Executive Director with questions regarding our expenses or income sources.

Temple Beth Hillel offers financial consideration to a limited number of families every year to ensure that temporary financial difficulties do not effect a member's ability to remain a part of our community. We are strong believers in being there for any member of our community in need, but the Temple itself is a costly institution to run each year. Our budget resources are limited. Temple Beth Hillel, like most synagogues, demonstrates ‘due diligence’ to its members by asking families interested in ‘financial consideration’ (some temples refer to this as ‘dues relief’) to complete a one page confidential form that explains the need for consideration. All members enjoy full membership privileges regardless of the dollar amount they contribute to income or expenses of the temple. The Temple community is greatly enriched by having a diverse, inclusive congregation.

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Philosophy

As an "inclusive Jewish community affiliated with the Reform movement...," we endeavor to make families feel welcome. For example, we reach out to interfaith families and families with special needs. We strive to enhance the spiritual, intellectual and cultural life of each member of our Temple community.

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Outreach: Programs for Interfaith Families

TBH has a large number of interfaith families, and as part of the mission of the Outreach Committee, we offer a number of programs to help our families feel welcome and included at TBH. We know that some of the ceremonies, holidays and rites of the Jewish religion can be daunting to the non-Jewish partner, and a little help can go a long way to easing the learning process. We are happy that you have made a commitment to send your children to a Jewish school, and we want to assist you in any way that we can. You should also feel free to talk to the staff and Rabbis at the Temple about any of our Outreach programs.

{ Go to Outreach Main Page }

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Temple Beth Hillel | 12326 Riverside Drive, Valley Village, CA 91607 | (818) 763-9148