Welcome!
Welcome to Congregation Beth Israel! Thank you for considering joining our community. We have a long and wonderful heritage, with an active and growing membership. YOU help us ensure our future.
Why Join Us?
As Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie, retired President of the Union for Reform Judaism says,
“The synagogue is the only place in the Jewish world that can be counted on to care about the individual Jew, and where everyone, no matter how rich or poor, is valued as having been created in the image of God. It is the place that attends to the pain of its members, celebrates their successes, and provides the loving embrace of community. It is the only Jewish institution that is truly democratic and takes pride in its grassroots character. And it is a place of prayer and study for Jews of every age. No other Jewish institution does these things, and none will.” (Reform Judaism magazine, Spring 2012)
We believe that the synagogue as an institution has this unique place in Jewish life. We believe that, by joining our community, our members enjoy spiritual, educational, and social Jewish dimensions in their lives that they can not find elsewhere. We believe that membership in our synagogue community is a gift we give our children, for together, as a community, we teach them values and ethics that will guide them their entire lives.
Do you agree? Then join us! Help make us stronger.
By joining Beth Israel you also become a part of a national and international network of like-minded progressive Jews – over 950 congregations in North America alone. We are the largest Jewish affiliation in the world!
Does this appeal to you? Then join us! Become a part of something larger than yourself.
Learn More
To learn more about us, please read the welcome message from Rabbi Pincus. You can contact Rabbi Pincus if you have any questions, or if you want to meet him. One of his priorities is to welcome newcomers and to help you find a place among us.
Clare Feldman and Gail Mangs, chairs of our Membership Committee, can provide more information about the culture of our synagogue, your financial commitment, and details on how to join.
You may also contact Toni Robinson, our Temple Administrator, gro.tcibcnull@nosnibort, 860-233-8215 x225.
We at Beth Israel strive every day to meet our mission statement: To serve the lifelong spiritual and educational needs of our congregants, within a welcoming and caring, contemporary Reform Jewish Community.
Application
You can print out a pdf version of our application and mail it to:
Congregation Beth Israel, 701 Farmington Ave., West Hartford, CT 06119
Or you can fill out the form online:
There are two online forms, one for adult information and one for children.
Dues and Fees
Please see our page on the financial commitment each member makes.
Thank you for your interest, and we look forward to seeing you soon!
Overall welcome and questions about Judaism:
Rabbi Michael Pincus, moc.liamgnull@sucnipibbar, 860-233-8215 x228.
Specifics about applying for membership at Beth Israel:
Toni Robinson, our Temple Administrator, gro.tcibcnull@nosnibort, 860-233-8215 x225.
Clare Feldman, ten.tsacmocnull@namdlef.eralc; Gail Mangs, moc.oohaynull@81sgnam, chairs of our Membership Committee
Payment options:
Sarah Beck, gro.tcibcnull@kcebs, 860-233-8215 x223.
Abatement information:
Jeffrey Kagan, moc.liamgnull@nagakffejrd