Re: Jewish temple for agnostic non-Jew and family

I feel a bit like a broken record, since I was one of those who responded to a similiar post a few weeks ago, but . . . Yes I think you might find a community of like-minded people in one (or more) of the many congregations discussed in the reponse to the last posting. Try going to a few events at the ones that you think will be the best fit. Start with the ones closest to you - its always easier to be involved in a community that is closer to home. Call the executive director (ours is Michael Liepman) and/or Rabbi (ours are Ferenc Raj and Jane Litman) and chat. Talk to some members.

Beth El works for my family because it has an awesome community of kids. My son has been there since he was two and my daughter since first grade. It is their community and they feel totally at home. Beth El has programming for people of all ages but Beth El's youth programming is particuarly good. The kids have fun while learning Jewish history, values, ethics and spirituality. Both of my kids love being there and they have a large community of children and young adults who are their friends and role models.

No you won't find prosletizing. There are many agnostics and philosophers and people who feel connected to more than one religion. In terms of class issues, there are some people with money but there are many without so much. The community is much what you might assume of a North Berkeley Jewish community - well educated, smart, opinionated but not necessarily well off. There are many professionals (therapists, lawyers, teachers, accountants, scientists) and also people who work in the trades, students, retired people etc. It's generally not that obvious who is well off and who isn't, unless you know someone well or go to their home.

As I said in the last post, I'm happy to chat more and to accompany you, or anyone interested in joining, to a service or event. Amy

Re: Seeking a diverse, open minded reform synagogue

Hi! Mazel Tov on wanting to reconnect with a Jewish community. I am a member of Beth El in Berkeley and have honestly found the kind of community I remember from my childhood in Florida.

It's a small enough group that you feel like everyone knows you (and vice versa) and big enough to have excellent well-run programs like the Nursery School, Camp Kee Tov, and Midrasha (all for children) plus many great adult programs and classes. We're also moving to a gorgeous new synagogue at the end of the summer with the most amazing facilities.

As for diversity - well, my husband isn't Jewish either, plus there are many other interfaith couples at Beth El. There are many mixed-ethnicity families (African-American, Asian-American, you name it) and many gay and lesbian families as well. It's about as welcoming a community as you can get, with a great focus on community service and social justice. No one is turned away for lack of funds, either.

One caveat which I have found to be true no matter where you go or what you do - to feel a part of things, you must BE a part of things: sign up for a hebrew class, go to services, volunteer at a homeless meal or join one of the women's groups, book groups or prayer groups. You won't get that feeling of yiddishkeit by sitting at home by yourself! :) Romy

While I can't say there are many African American members, there are some. There is an African American woman who is in leadership at the Temple. We are having a program called ''Jewish Fusion'' on April 17 which is focusing on the racial and ethnic diversity of our community.

There are LOTS of inter-faith families at Beth El. They are very welcome and participate at all levels.

I would love for your family to join. I hope you'll check Beth El out and if you'd like to talk further, or want someone to go with you to a service or event there, let me know, I'd be happy to go with you and your family. amy

Re: Looking for a child-oriented Jewish congregation

I'm a member of Beth El in Berkeley on Arch and Vine. It is a reform synagogue with a lot of interfaith families. Beth Els big plus is the great summer camp Kee Tov, a wonderful nursery school with a two year old program, an ongoing and large religious school and Midrasha program for teens (open to all Jewish teenagers). There is more and more adult education programing, a weekly Torah study group (with childcare available), a small Shabbat early Minyan. There is for the past year a growing community action group involved in community service projects...It is a larger congregation with a large age range and loads of families with small children. Rochelle