What makes Shaarei-Beth El
Congregation so special?
"Shaarei-Beth El is a Reform Jewish congregation dedicated to the teachings of Torah and the principles of Judaism serving the community of Halton."
Our Vision is "To be the vibrant centre of Jewish life in Halton Region".
We are a welcoming Reform synagogue with a sense
of tradition and a spirit of openness and acceptance.
From 1982 when our two congregations in Burlington
and Oakville merged, we have always been here
to serve the unique and individualized needs of
this community. Families of varying backgrounds,
Families of varying backgrounds, including Interfaith families and LGBT families,
are welcome to
lifestyles and communities are welcome to share in our
synagogue activities, the center of Jewish experience
in the Halton region.
Located in beautiful downtown Oakville, steps from
Lakeshore Road, we are a congregation that fills a broad
range of spiritual, educational and social interests. A
small congregation with a big heart, we at Shaarei-Beth El have the ability to connect to each one of our
members in a special way. We have a proud past and
look forward to a bright future together.
We're here for you.
Rabbi Stephen Wise
is dedicated to serving your
community. After two years as an assistant rabbi in Boca
Raton, Florida, as your senior rabbi he brings energy,
vitality and a broad range of experience.
He is devoted to providing you with profound spiritual
experiences, guidance when you need it and joyous
holiday celebrations. His philosophy-lifelong learning
for your entire family.
Worship services at our synagogue blend the traditional
liturgy with contemporary music, placing topical issues
of importance to you in a Jewish context.
What have we got for kids?
Our Religious school,
is the finest learning experience
in an atmosphere that is warm, caring, nurturing and ...
fun. For the youngest children, we provide a monthly
Torah and Tots program. Every Sunday and Wednesday
we offer programs designed to let children learn
through experience, appreciate their faith and history
and gain a sense of connection to Judaism. When its
time to prepare for a Bat or Bar mitzvah, our children
shine, working one-on-one with the Rabbi and tutor
to make it a meaningful and beautiful experience for
the entire family.
|
Our post-B'nei mitzvah program for middle and high
school students provides opportunities to study with
the Rabbi, be a student teacher, take trips to New
York City, Washington and Ottawa and join NFTY, the
National Federation of Temple Youth.
What have we got for adults?
At Shaarei-Beth El there is an abundance of educational
and social opportunities.
Our Adult Education program caters to the life-long
learner in you, with Sunday morning and weekday
evening courses from Hebrew, to History to Israel to
Torah Study.
Social programming includes a "Pizza in the Hut" on
Sukkoth, a Hanukkah lunch and Purim carnival and
feast.
We have get-togethers, town hall meetings and even
musical performances to round out our calendar. Social
action projects include donations to the Food Bank on
the High Holydays, walks for Charity such as Cancer
or MS research, and an annual Mitzvah Day, and other
opportunities to come together to do good for others
while strengthening camaraderie among our members.
Worship With Us
Every Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. we gather
together for services along with our professionally
directed volunteer choir to celebrate Shabbat and the
special moments in our members' lives.
We also have a monthly Kabbalat Shabbat service
and dinner at 6pm on the first Friday of most months.
High Holidays every fall are always special occasions
with our Rabbi and Cantor leading us in
awe-inspriring services.
|
