In our synagogue, men and women are equal in all respects. Decency and trust are as important as any goal. We all share in leadership and responsibility. We are mindful of the community and world around us. We reach out our hearts and invite you to join us.

We reach out to help "heal the world" through community support activities including a High Holiday food drive to replenish local food pantries, Chanukah packages for Soviet Jews, and informational programs on a variety of topics including racism and gun control.

Federal Health Care Information Available Now:
Did you know there is already a health insurance pool available in California for those adults unable to obtain health insurance in the past due to pre-existing conditions or that your adult child through the age of 26 married or single, can be enrolled in your health insurance plan or for those on Medicare, you will be eligible for preventative care beginning January 1, 2011 without a Part B coinsurance or deductible? This is just the beginning! Available now on the TBE website, is a concise document from our COPA work on the new federal health care reform act changes for our families along with a way to track easily the additional changes as they become live through a new federal website titled "Healthcare.gov." This is intended as a service for our members in order to enhance your personal health and those in your family. Report on Health Care Reform

Out in Our Faith I and II

In the past two years, Temple Beth El has hosted a series of lectures and workshops designed to foster full inclusion for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals.

On June 2, 2006, Rabbi Rick Litvak and Rabbi Paula Marcus accepted proclamations on behalf of Temple Beth El from the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, the City of Santa Cruz, and the Santa Cruz Pride Committee for our continued work to promote full inclusion of GLBTQI individuals in all aspects of the community and in area houses of worship, especially through the Out in Our Faith Program.

Communities Organized for Relational Power in Action (COPA)

Temple Beth El is an active participant in this interfaith effort to improve our communities. Our primary action is an initiative for affordable housing in Santa Cruz County. Read more

The Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (RAC)

The RAC educates and mobilizes the American Jewish community on legislative and social concerns as an advocate in Congress on issues ranging from Israel and international religious freedom to economic justice and civil rights, to international peace and religious liberty. You can sign up for RAC e-updates and get email notification tailored to your particular RAC interests.

Israel
Our congregational principles regarding Israel:

1. Temple Beth El will advocate for Israel and her people.
2. Temple Beth El recognizes that Israel is a democratic Jewish state and the historic
homeland of the Jewish people, with Jerusalem her capital.
3. Temple Beth El will encourage its members and the greater Santa Cruz community to learn about contemporary Israel as well as the religious and historical ties of the Jewish people
to the land of Israel.
4. Temple Beth El opposes the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions Movement in whole or in
part and has the responsibility to counter efforts that seek to delegitimize Israel.
5. As a reform synagogue and in concert with the Union of Reform Judaism, we are
committed to supporting and furthering Jewish religious pluralism within the State of
Israel.

The support of the Jews of America is very important for Israel. We encourage you to contact elected officials including Congressional Representatives Sam Farr 831 (429-1976) and Anna Eshoo 831 (335-2020).  Below are organizations that provide support for Israel in many different ways. Please check them out to find ways that speak to you to support Israel, by giving tzedakkah, education, and/or activism.

Jewish National Fund http://www.jnf.org/
Union of Reform Judaism  http://urj.org/israel/
Magen David Adom  http://www.afmda.org 
The New Israel Fund http://www.newisraelfund.org/
American Israel Political Action Committee http://www.aipac.org/
Stand With Us http://www.standwithus.com
J Street http://jstreet.org/
The Association of Reform Zionists of America http://www.arza.org/
Hadassah http://www.hadassah.org
Rabbis for Human Rights http://www.rhr.org

Mazon Project

Temple Beth El volunteers provide Sunday dinner every week for the homeless as the River Street Shelter. Members have supported this ongoing community outreach program since 1988. 

One day is set aside every year for members of the congregation to join together in performing mitzvot in our community. Crews work on projects such as maintenance of the temple facilities, beach cleanup, or sorting food for the homeless.