Home > About > Inclusion and Diversity at Beth El
Beth El is an open-minded, non-judgmental community that celebrates diversity. We offer a place of connection through worship, study, social interaction, and personal growth for individuals and families of all structures, across all ages, stages of life, as well as varied pathways to Jewish identity. We embrace our LGBTQ+ and Interfaith members and families.
Inclusivity is one of Beth El’s four core values, and we work hard to remove barriers to participation. At the core of our caring culture is our commitment to be responsive to congregants’ and guests’ needs. Below are examples of how we apply our values:
We live stream Shabbat services in the main sanctuary and the chapel so that anyone who cannot be there physically can watch in real time and participate remotely. We also offer Zoom or live stream access to our daily minyan. Please see our live streaming page for schedules and more information.
We offer an audio loop in the main sanctuary for hearing-impaired individuals. In the chapel, we offer hearing assistance using an FM receiver. Sign language interpreters are also available upon request. Please contact the main office at office@bethelmc.org for further assistance.
Wheelchairs are available at the synagogue entrance. The main sanctuary and the chapel have ramps to make the bimah more accessible. All Religious School and Preschool classrooms are either on the main floor or accessible via elevator.
Everyone is welcome at Beth El, and we embrace our LGBTQ+ members and guests. We mark lifecycle moments in an expansive way, celebrating and supporting people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. From baby namings to b-mitzvah, birthdays and weddings, retirement and other transition celebrations, as well as for bereavement and mourning practices—we strive to be flexible, inclusive, and affirming around all identities.
Our b-mitzvah program is designed to help families celebrate as children are called to the Torah for the first time. Additionally, Beth El developed and offers a renaming ceremony for those who have transitioned or are transitioning gender and wish to mark this moment through creative Jewish ritual.
There is an all-gender restroom on the main floor, wheelchair-accessible from the Family Room or the Clergy Suite.
Interfaith families are welcome to attend all services and participate in all events and programs. We offer multiple means of participation in lifecycle events for non-Jewish family members while conforming to conservative Jewish custom.
Finances aren’t an obstacle to joining Beth El. Please contact our Executive Director to have a confidential conversation about joining our community.
Beth El participates in and provides programming in partnership with many community organizations, including
