HISTORY
Temple Beth El is one of the oldest synagogues in Los Angeles and remains a vital part of San Pedro, the Palos Verdes Peninsula, Torrance and the South Bay, the Beach Cities, and Long Beach. Although the greater community has evolved significantly, Temple Beth El has been a steady presence in San Pedro for over ninety years.
VISION / MISSION
Walk through our doors and feel our warmth. Be yourself and be embraced by people who are caring, nurturing, and supportive. Learn with us. Pray with us. Sing with us. Play with us. Eat with us. Laugh and cry with us. Pursue justice with us. Join us in challenging and inspiring one another to seek answers together. Come home to Temple Beth El where new friends are waiting to welcome you.
What makes Temple Beth El special and the right place for you and your family?
As a smaller congregation, in addition to the usual membership benefits, you will be able to develop close personal relationships with our Rabbi, Cantor, Educator and many other member families and individuals. The social and intellectual needs of our members are met through a wide variety of events and activities. We offer adult education courses, special events, projects, cultural activities, various groups and clubs, an active Sisterhood, and wonderful guest speakers and other educational programs. There are so many ways for every member to get involved and become a part of the Temple Beth El family.
Our worship services are easy to follow and meaningful; they are conducted in both Hebrew and English. Our services are uplifting, there is always music, as our Cantor leads us in song accompanied by our very accomplished pianist and, at least once a month at our Musical Shabbat service, also by our very own in-house band, the Moody Jews.
Since our classes are small, our Torah and Hebrew School children receive individual attention. We strive to make our religious education fun for our children; we want them to learn and love the heritage of Judaism and carry these teachings with them for the rest of their lives, as well as pass them down to their own children. Children of all ages are always welcome at our Friday evening services, and on the first Shabbat of each month we have an early service especially designed for families with young children. On the third Shabbat of every month there is a Musical Shabbat service, with the same earlier start time, which is also designed with families in mind.
How do we support Temple Beth El?
We are supported by our members through annual financial commitments and periodic fund raising activities. Both forms of support are essential to enable our temple to flourish. To make a contribution online of any size, please visit the TBE Store.
Volunteerism is also vital to the life of our community. There are many opportunities to volunteer at any age, with a focus on mitzvah activities and social action.
Have Questions About Us
If you have any questions about membership, or our synagogue in general or anything specific, please contact our Rabbi, our Cantor, our Educator, or reach out to Carrie, our Temple Administrator to find out more, or to arrange a visit or appointment. We hope that you decide Temple Beth El is where you belong.