Congregation Beth El St. Johnsbur
Mission Statement – Beth El seeks to be a dedicated center for religious, spiritual, cultural, and educational practices for Jewish people and their families, encompassing a diversity of denominations and backgrounds, for those living in the NEK of Vermont and surrounding areas.
Organization Description – Beth El envisions and strives to be a vibrant center for Jewish prayer and spiritual life, accepting a wide range of Jewish practices and traditions within a community that is hospitable, friendly, spirited, generous, and joyful. We envision a synagogue that includes not only prayer life, but in addition, gives the community a variety of opportunities to learn and to be together through study and discussion groups, classes and workshops, Jewish holiday celebrations, fundraisers, speakers and musical events, as well as continuing to foster good relationships with the interfaith community. We wish to be a community filled with roach and Jewish spirit, always moving in the direction of being most welcoming with friendship, inclusivity, creativity, and cordiality.
Beth El is a Jewish community serving approximately 60 families. We gather for Shabbat services, special occasions and holidays. Our services are a blend of Jewish traditions reflecting the diversity of our membership, including interfaith couples.
Most of our work is performed by our members on a volunteer basis. We have Hebrew School for our children, and children’s services. We are also involved in tzedakah projects and the local interfaith group.
We bring in a cantor for High Holidays and other events.