Temple Beth El

Congregation Beth El

Congregation Beth El, sustaining our unique Jewish heritage as the oldest synagogue in continuous use in Michigan, embraces the strength created by the diversity of our Jewish backgrounds and beliefs, and fosters a strong Jewish identity and way of life built upon: religious and ethical guidance, spiritual expression, and educational, social and cultural experiences, creating an inter-generational caring community where all Jews and their families feel welcome and supported. (Congregation Mission Statement)

Inside this web site you can find more information about Our Temple, Today, Our History, Our Rabbis, Traverse City, a Calendar of Upcoming Events, a map to assist you in visiting our historic congregation, and other information. Please take a moment to visit our web pages by clicking any of the title bars on the top of the page.

URJ - Union For Reform Judaism
Congregation Beth El is a member of The Union For Reform Judaism and is site #13 within the URJ. You can visit us at www.mi013.urj.net or www.TempleBethELTC.org.

Beth El Events
Beth El members love to have a good time and there is no better place to do this then in beautiful northern Michigan. We never need an excuse to have a party. Jewish holidays and festivals serve as a base for many gatherings. The community gathers together for shared Hanukkah, Passover and Purim celebrations.

There are many events that have been hosted at the homes of Beth El members. Havdallah?s beach or in member?s back yards, Sukkot celebrations or as a group going to hockey games or plays at Interlochen.

An annual winter retreat tradition was begun a few years ago and is held at a Northport home. The rabbi leads adult study, the kids do art projects or swim in the indoor pool and the afternoon ends with a pot luck dinner provided by members.

A Beth El event always guarantees delicious food prepared by our members. We are blessed to have so many gifted bakers and cooks in the congregation. There is always a lot of recipe sharing at the Beth El potlucks and many people look forward to certain holidays for the special foods that have become ?family? traditions within our community.

Shabbat services are held monthly from September ? June and often weekly, lead by congregants, during the summer. Members all bring goodies to share for the oneg Shabbat following services. Please call the synagogue at 231-946-1913 for exact dates and times of services or check the web site calendar.