Beth Israel Congregation, the primary Jewish organization in the Kawartha region, is motivated by a spectrum of community interests and spiritual aspirations. We are welcoming of all genders, cultures, races, abilities, neurotypes, sexual orientations, political beliefs, faiths, and income levels. We recognize that we have a responsibility to work proactively to make this a place of welcome to those who are traditionally marginalized. We are committed to treating all participants with respect and compassion. We maintain the beautiful and historic Beth Israel Synagogue, offer programming for our diverse Jewish community, and also offer space for room rentals, and for our partners and tenants, the Unitarian Fellowship of Peterborough.
Mission Statement
The purpose of Beth Israel Congregation is to serve the spiritual and cultural needs of the Jewish population of Peterborough and its environs. We provide a place of worship open to all those who subscribe to the Jewish faith, and a meeting place for expression of Jewish cultural life.
The Congregation is egalitarian, motivated by a spectrum of community interests and spiritual aspirations.
Vision
To be an accessible, innovative, inclusive, open and integral part of the Peterborough Jewish Community.
Religious Services
Beth Israel is committed to providing a range of inclusive services from High Holy Days to minor religious celebrations (e.g. Chanukah, Shavuot, Purim) to Shabbat services that are traditional, current and relevant. These services will include a blend of both English and Hebrew, as well as music and readings to enhance the religious experience. Members are encouraged to design their own services to share with the community at large
Programming
Beth Israel will develop and provide a variety of programs/services to meet membership needs with a focus on social interaction including but not limited to:
- Children and Youth
- B’Mitzvah preparation
- Social activities for all age groups
- Intergenerational experience and opportunities
- Holocaust Programming
- Antisemitism Education
- Community Outreach/Engagement (external and internal)
- Community partnerships e.g. Abraham Festival, Peterborough Police Services
- Speaker Series on various topics e.g. MAID, Social Justice
- Jewish Education
Cemetery
Beth Israel operates the Jewish Section of Little Lake Cemetery and will work with families in need for religious burials etc.
Values
Beth Israel embraces the following values in the provision of programs and services offered:
- Compassion
- Empathy
- Humility
- Integrity
- Inclusivity
- Participatory
- Innovative
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