Our Mission

Our goal is to reach out to people at all life cycle events and to inspire so that Jewish identity and continuity-precious and fragile in a secular world-will be strengthened and confirmed.

As a Reform congregation with a traditional background, a spirit of openness and acceptance characterizes our congregation. Our members come from varying Jewish backgrounds and from widely disparate communities. Our philosophy allows for a variety of people to feel comfortable in our midst.

Our religious services reflect this. They join the warmth and ambience of a traditional Jewish service with the meaningfulness, accessibility, flexibility and egalitarianism of a Reform service. The wearing of kippah and/or tallit is a matter of personal choice. We have a wonderful choir of mixed male and female voices. We read Hebrew and English passages in unison and responsively. Our kitchen is kosher so that no one need be excluded from a reception at the synagogue.

Just as our choir is mixed, so do we practice egalitarianism. Women and men participate equally in all phases of synagogue life. While our rabbi does not officiate at mixed marriages, mixed families are made to feel welcome by both Rabbi and congregation. Our operating principle is to reach out to everyone and draw them closer to Judaism. This includes conversion for sincere candidates.

About SHAAREI-BETH EL CONGREGATION OF HALTON

Shaarei-Beth El is a Reform synagogue with a traditional orientation. Rabbi Stephen Wise leads our congregation in Shabbat morning services, family and festival services.

Our professionally directed choir participates during the High Holy Days and throughout the year. Child care is provided during some services.

Shaarei-Beth El offers Jewish Education for all ages through its youth and adult education programmes. Our Education Director is Ran Salamon.

The school offers an exciting new, comprehensive Hebrew and Judaica programme for students from age 3-16.