Over 80 years ago, Temple Beth El was a little room and a big dream. On June 4, 1929, 19 founders met to formulate the aims of a new Temple dedicated to the principles of the Conservative Movement, then developing in the United States.
Today, Temple Beth El continues to grow and thrive because of a committed membership. Our mission is to be a warm and welcoming egalitarian congregation that meets diverse spiritual needs, and offers numerous educational and social opportunities for members of all ages and walks of life.
We have an active Men’s Club and Sisterhood who plan activities such as wine tastings, hikes at Hawk Mountain and book clubs, help the temple financially and volunteer their time in many ways, from building our Succah to running our gift shop. Our Social Action committee focuses on projects in the community at large and our Keruv Outreach committee was initiated to ensure that our interfaith families feel welcome.
Not only do we have religious school classes for kindergarten through ninth grade, we host an innovative post confirmation educational program, Shalshelet, which is open to all students in grades 10 through 12 in the Lehigh Valley. Shalshelet meets twice a month and features a creative dialogue-based curriculum, culminating in an end-of-the-year trip. Our youth are also well served by both a USY Chapter (ages 14-17) and Kadima (ages 10-13).
Further cultural and educational opportunities exist in the form of concerts by Satori, a cappella groups and our own choirs, classes taught by our clergy and our vibrant Jewish Family Education program. This program supports and connects families of all compositions through Temple-based programming and home-based learning opportunities. Our variety of events such as the “Dor L’ Dor” intergenerational family services, Sukkah Hop, Hanukkah Fair, Tu B’shvat Seder, Bowling for Tzedakah and more, offer a dynamic facet of temple life.
Our facility has two large social halls to accommodate your simcha celebrations, a library and a full service gift shop for you to peruse at your leisure. While doing so, please stop by the office for more information. Better yet, join us for a Friday night dinner followed by services, Saturday morning services (always followed by a Kiddush lunch) or join in any of our events. Whether you are looking to fulfill social, educational, inspirational or religious needs, Temple Beth El has a place for you.
SERVICES
Friday night services are at 7:30 PM
Saturday morning services are at 9:00 AM
Minyan - Sunday at 9:00 AM and Monday through Friday at 7:45 AM
HEBREW SCHOOL
E.G. Scoblionko Religious School – Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday
Midrasha - Monday
Shashelet - Monday (bi-weekly)
YOUTH GROUPS
Kadima, ages 10-13
United Synagogue Youth (USY), ages 14-17
CHOIRS
N’imah Adult Choir
Junior Choir
Midrasha Teen Chorale
ADULT LEARNING
Various classed offered throughout the year
ACTIVITIES
Sisterhood
Men’s Club
Jewish Family Education
Social Action
FACILITIES
Two large social halls
Library
Gift shop