A Brief Look at Our Congregation

Welcome to the Temple Beth-El family...

Temple Beth-El, located in Providence's historic East Side, has been serving Reform Jewish families in Rhode Island for over one hundred years. The roots of the our congregation go back to 1849 when a small group of Providence Jews, calling themselves "Sons of Israel," gathered for daily services. Though Orthodox in origin, the congregation affiliated with the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, the national body of Reform Judaism, in 1877. Responding to the challenges of an open society, the Reform movement today is one of North American Jewry's most influential voices. Today's Temple Beth-El family, nearly 1,200 households, reflects the changing composition of contemporary American Jewry - many with Orthodox and Conservative roots - as well as an increasing number of inter-faith families.

A House of Worship... Rabbi Leslie Gutterman, marking his 37th year with the congregation, and Rabbi Sarah Mack and Cantor Judith Seplowin, lead members of our Temple family in worship and in ceremonies marking life's milestones including naming of children, B'nei Mitzvah, confirmation and weddings and remembrances. Special services are held throughout the month in addition to our daily Minyan and regular Shabbat services. Once a month, a more casual family service is held and children celebrating birthdays are honored. Hands-on worship experiences designed especially for children which include children's Shabbat experiences, outdoor summer services and holiday skills workshops highlight the Temple calendar. Child care is available during the High Holy Days.

A House of Study...

The Temple's Religious School has an enrollment of over 250 students. Instruction begins during pre-school and continues through high school. Attention is given to every aspect of Judaism - its origin, history, literature, language, customs and ceremonies. The school provides the training to become Bar or Bat Mitzvah along with an exceptional Confirmation and high school program. Our Adult Enrichment program includes courses, lectures, and trips. These studies are aided by the William G. Braude Library, one of the three largest synagogue libraries in the United States.

A House of Assembly...

The Temple family meets often in the Silverstein Meeting Hall for Oneg Shabbats, social events, and receptions accompanying the celebration of religious life cycle events. Within the community, the Temple's Sisterhood and Brotherhood offer a variety of programs and social events. The Temple also serves as a meeting place for various boards and committees of both the congregation and the community. The Temple's youth programs--PROVTY, Junior PROVTY, and Sababah--offer teens the opportunity to socialize and experience their Judaism in unique ways.

Significant Jewish cultural events are supported by the generous endowment of the Temple's Benefactors Fund. Established in 1980 on the occasion of the Temple's 125th Anniversary, the Benefactors Fund has sponsored evenings with such personalities as Henry Kissinger, Elie Wiesel, Madame Jehan Sadat and Justice Stephen Breyer, plus musical programs with Theodore Bikel, Michael Feinstein, and Mary Travers.

An Eye to the Future...

Temple Beth-El will continue to reach out to fill the needs of our congregants and the community at large. This web site is but one of those methods. Our monthly newsletter, The Shofar, highlights worship services and events, as well as feature articles. Volunteers frequently serve as reporters. If interested in reporting or photography, please contact Ruby Shalansky, Executive Director at 401-331-6070 or via email at rshalansky@temple-beth-el.org.

We are a member of URJ,
the Union of Reform Judaism.

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