In Judaism, embracing your Jewish identity is so important. Whether that means observing a holiday, worshiping in a synagogue, or observing a simple tradition, finding meaningful ways to connect is how to keep culture and customs vibrantly alive! Being a part of a larger community can make all the difference, too, especially in moments when being Jewish can feel isolating. Luckily, here in Bellevue, there are congregations like Temple B’nai Torah to welcome you into their community and help you embrace your best self.
With plenty of room for you and your family, you can find your place at this warm and inviting Reform synagogue. Here are some fantastic reasons to consider joining Temple B’nai Torah!
About Temple B’nai Torah
15727 NE 4th St, Bellevue, WA 98008
Temple B’nai Torah, or TBT, is a welcoming, inclusive environment for Reform Jews and interfaith families. They have created a rich community where over 350 families in the Bellevue area gather to connect through religious services, social action, holiday celebrations, lifecycle events, and more! They take pride in being “large enough to serve you, but small enough to know you.” Whether you’re looking for a place to connect to and strengthen your own Jewish identity or for your child to learn to embrace theirs, TBT is a wonderful place to learn, grow, and come together.
Nestled into 3.5 acres of a wooded residential area, TBT is a beautiful gathering space. The building itself was designed to “bring the timeless values of Judaism into harmony with the contemporary culture and landscape of the Pacific Northwest.” Architect Walter Schact received acclaim and awards for his use of masonry when building TBT, using custom-colored concrete to evoke the colors of the buildings in Jerusalem.
At the moment, the clergy consists of interim senior Rabbi Art Nemitoff and Rabbi Molly Wiesel, who is also the director of education. Together, they work to create a safe place of worship, community, and camaraderie for the families in their congregation.
All Of The Learning
At Temple B’nai Torah, the pursuit of lifelong learning is ongoing. They have educational programs for children, teens, and adults to collaborate, explore, and question the world. Whether you’re looking for a place for your child to learn about their Jewish identity or to connect to your own, TBT offers a variety of opportunities for learning.
For the youngest members of the congregation, Tot Shabbat is always a fun way to connect with other families with little ones. Designed for families with children ages 0 – 5, everyone can gather to celebrate Shabbat with singing, dancing, stories, and blessings. Additionally, if you’ve recently welcomed a new baby into your family, TBT offers Program for Early Parent Support (PEPS) programming. As a 12-week cohort, you’ll meet with other growing families to connect, show support, and socialize in a time that can sometimes feel isolating.
As your children grow, TBT’s Shabbat-based Religious School program helps them see the world through a Jewish lens. PreK to 2nd graders meet to discover Torah stories and learn about holidays, values, and traditions of Judaism. Every week, a new picture book guides the lesson around a different exploration of Jewish living. While enrolled, they’ll also be making lifelong connections to other Jewish kids and engaging through t’filah, enrichment activities, and more.
Temple B’nai Torah Religious School
As your kids get older, they’ll get to participate in religious school while also meeting once a week for small-group Hebrew lessons. The new Tiyulim, or “journeys” program, lets students explore Jewish culture, history, and rituals throughout the year, completing learning activities to earn badges. At the end of the year, they gather to learn about each other’s unique journeys and receive their coveted badge awards! They will also get to participate in electives like Outdoor Judaism, Jewish Cooking, Art, Drama, Music, and more.
Then come the formative B’nai Mitzvah prep years! 6th through 8th graders gather on weekends to participate in Shabbat services, learn, and do mitzvot together. Their studies begin to focus on the responsibility and honor of becoming a b’mitzvah, learning leadership skills and connecting to their Jewish heritage. 8th graders have the opportunity to participate in a trip to either Los Angeles or San Francisco at the end of their studies.
Being Jewish doesn’t end with a B’nai Mitzvah, however. Teens can stay active in the TBT community with B’nai Torah Youth (BTY), the 9th through 12th grade youth group. Teens can engage with one another through social gatherings, events, and service opportunities that allow them to engage in leadership and help grow the youth presence at TBT. They can also participate in the madrichim program as teaching assistants and receive community service credit.
Specialty
Temple B’nai Torah’s commitment to Tikkun Olam (healing the world) is showcased through their commitment to social action efforts. As a member of the congregation, you can join efforts to combat homelessness in collaboration with Tent City 4, a temporary homeless encampment in the Eastside. There are also plenty of opportunities to bake, prepare meals, and work in the community garden to support those struggling with hunger. Additionally, TBT is active in other areas of social justice, including environmental justice and sustainability, immigrant rights, gun responsibility, PRIDE, racial equality, and mental health.
Another way to stay active in the TBT community is through their various opportunities to connect, volunteer, and meet up. You can join a chavurot or a small gathering of congregants that meet in one another’s homes to socialize, celebrate, and study together. They also host several interest groups like the Mitzvah Corps and a Mah Jongg group! Women can be a part of the Sisterhood, a cooperative program designed to build connections within and outside of the temple community.
However you choose to actively participate within the TBT congregation, you will find your place and your community.
Your Family Will Love Growing At Temple B’nai Torah
Temple B’nai Torah is a loving, welcoming community that makes space for anyone and everyone looking to connect to their Jewish identity. Whether you’re looking for a place to worship, learn, socialize, or, yes, even play Mah Jongg, there is always an opportunity waiting for you. Get in touch to see what they’re all about and find your place within the congregation.
If you’re looking for another way to make this stage a little more enjoyable, I would love to connect. I’m a Mitzvah photographer, and I adore working with parents so they can remember this amazing celebration. If you’ve been considering booking a photographer for your child’s Mitzvah, then let’s chat! So you can decide if my style is right for you. Contact me today to get the conversation started!
