Beth Israel invites those who are interested in participating in synagogue activities and becoming part of the Jewish Community of Northwest Washington to join our congregation. We do require at least one member of your family be Jewish. Non-Jewish family members are welcomed and encouraged to participate fully. Currently, our membership includes more than 200 families – mostly from Whatcom and Skagit Counties and Southern British Columbia, Canada. We are a Reform Congregation and an affiliated member of the Union of Reform Judaism.
Our congregation, under the spiritual guidance of Rabbi Joshua Samuels, offers weekly Friday night Shabbat services, twice monthly Saturday morning Shabbat services, regular Torah Study sessions, and ritual observance of all Jewish Holidays throughout the year. All are welcome to attend.
In addition to High Holy Day observances, each year Congregation Beth Israel hosts a Community Seder at Passover, Purim Carnival and Purim Spiel, Hanukkah Party, and a variety of other traditional celebrations. We often host guest speakers on Jewish topics, visiting scholars, and guest cantors who share their considerable talents with us.
Among the benefits of Beth Israel membership are:
- Becoming part of a vibrant, active, and growing Jewish Community
- Having a spiritual home for observing Jewish holidays and important life cycle events
- Joining us as we reach our centennial milestone, and become part of the rich history and tapestry of our congregation
- Participating in the building and consecrating of our new synagogue – ground-breaking begins soon
- Receiving Bar and Bat Mitzvah training for boys and girls coming of age, or B’nei Mitzvah training for adults
- Enrolling in Beth Israel’s Religious School (kindergarten – confirmation)
- Becoming active in our youth group, NFTY-Northwest Chapter, that meets regularly for social and educational programs
- Enjoying special programming for young children (Tot Shabbats)
- Partaking of a variety of adult education classes on a wide range of Jewish topics
- Enrolling in conversion classes for those wishing to become Jews
- Receiving our newsletter, Shul Shofar, to stay abreast of synagogue events and activities
- Becoming active in Sisterhood or Brotherhood
We invite you to daven (pray), schmooze, and come celebrate Shabbat with us. Join Congregation Beth Israel and help us preserve our more than 5,700 year old Jewish heritage.