Synagogue Updates

To Our TBH-BE Family,

As we enter Jewish Disabilities, Acceptance, Awareness and Inclusion Month, it is a good opportunity to restate our values of being an inclusive community to all. 

A core value of our community is the Jewish principle of kavod habriyot - the sacred duty to honor the inherent dignity of every human being. Our sages taught, "Gadol kavod habriyot she'docheh lo ta'aseh sheba'Torah" - "So great is human dignity that it supersedes a negative commandment of the Torah" (Berakhot 19b). This teaching places human dignity at the very heart of Jewish ethics and practice. We believe that each person is created b'tzelem Elohim (in the divine image), and deserves to be celebrated for exactly who they are.

Our recently approved Strategic Plan stated “We value being a community of Chesed (compassion). We believe in being a welcoming place of pastoral care, spirituality, and spiritual and mental health. We value the diversity of our community, inclusive approach, and intergenerational engagement.”

As our world is ever-evolving, TBH-BE leadership is committed to the principles of our tradition and those in the strategic plan.

In our congregation, we proudly and unequivocally welcome:

- LGBTQ+ individuals and families, including our transgender and nonbinary siblings, celebrating the beautiful diversity of gender expression and identity that enriches our community

- Interfaith families and those exploring Judaism, knowing that our tent is made stronger by including all who wish to participate in Jewish life

- People of all political views and backgrounds, fostering respectful dialogue that honors our shared humanity even when we disagree

- People of all races, ethnicities, and backgrounds, recognizing that the Jewish people have always come from around the world

- People of all abilities, understanding that true inclusion means ensuring our physical and spiritual spaces are accessible to all

- Immigrants and refugees, remembering that we were once strangers in Egypt, and that our tradition commands us dozens of times to love and protect the stranger

Our commitment to kavod habriyot means that we not only welcome, but actively celebrate the unique perspectives and experiences that each person brings to our kehillah kedoshah (holy community). We strive to ensure that every person who enters our doors feels not just accepted, but embraced, valued, and empowered to participate fully in synagogue life.

We are committed to continued opportunities for amplifying diverse voices in our community, creating opportunities for dialogue and understanding across difference, and ensuring our ritual, educational and community spaces reflect and serve our diverse community. 

Our rabbis, cantor and staff are always available to listen and talk, whether you're seeking guidance, processing events that impact our community, or simply need someone to listen. Our doors are open to you.

Josh Kohn, President

Ranita Thomas, Chair of the Board

Ethan Witkovsky, Rabbi

Lilli Shvartsmann, Assistant Rabbi

Eugene Rosner, Hazzan

Ken Krivitzky, Executive Director

Lisa Richman, Director of the Religious School

Judith Mont Scarani, Director of the Early Childhood Center