Our synagogue at 3055 Porter Gulch Road in Aptos, CA was built in 1989. It features a beautiful, modern sanctuary with several works of Jewish art, including fabulous stained
glass. Movable walls separate our sanctuary from the social hall, allowing us to expand to fit larger worship groups. The proximity of the social hall makes it easy for worshipers to cap the service with an oneg Shabbat (dessert) or kiddush (lunch nosh).
driving directions

Stained glass in our sanctuary Ark doors depicting the tablets of the ten commandments given at Mt. Sinai—constructed by stained glass artist Maria Stolz from a section of a window in a San Francisco temple (left image) learn more Sanctuary windows depicting the twelve tribes of Israel—a modern work of art by Maria Stolz (right image) learn more

Our social hall has been the site of countless celebrations, programs, and important meetings. It has a stage, and its commercial kitchen allows for catering full meals for a crowd.

Our library contains a large variety of books on Jewish topics, from Midrash and Talmudic texts to Jewish ethics, theology, and social science to poetry and fiction. It has a video library and a children's book section. Our library contains the ark and reader's podium from our former synagogue on Bay Street, so we are able to use it as an intimate second sanctuary.

Our school wing houses a preschool and six classrooms for our religious school. And, of course, we have administrative offices for our rabbis and staff.

Our social hall, library, and classrooms are available to rent

Temple Beth El Jewish Community Center has this beautiful facility because of the generous financial contributions of its members. These contributions come primarily through bequests, major donations, and a multi-year Building Fund pledge.
Building Fund pledge form

Two cemeteries

We have two historic cemeteries. Plots in Beit Shalom (Home of Peace), on Meder Street on the west side of Santa Cruz are available only to members of Temple Beth El. Plots in our newer cemetery, Beit Olam (Eternal Home) in Soquel are available to all Jews, regardless of affiliation.