About Us
Welcome to Our Family!
If you enjoy the warmth of a small, close-knit, participative congregation, then Beth Ami is the temple for you.
Our History
Beth Ami, a reform temple, was founded in 1978 by a small group of families all sharing the same desires. They wanted a temple where everybody knew one another, where we truly were a family. Our little temple grew quickly to 50 families, which is approximately our membership today. As our temple grew, so did our sense of family. We are fortunate to have several of our original families still with us.
Beth Ami and The Community
Our recent involvements include an interfaith group feeding the homeless, Mitzvah Day, and participation in the Jewish Film Festival.
How is This Temple Different from All Other Temples in The Valley?
Services are usually held every other Friday night from September through May. We are very fortunate to have Rabbi Arthur Abrams and our Cantorial Soloist Pam Beitman leading our services.
Temple Beth Ami's services are conducted approximately twice a month. While most services will be led by Rabbi Art, members still create and lead several services a year. Member families also take turns hosting an Oneg after each service.
Beth Ami has an active Adult Torah Study Group founded by Earl Terman and now organized by Arlene Freedberg. Several times throughout the year we share a "pot luck" dinner together before services. We are fortunate to be gifted with many wonderful cooks.
This year Beth Ami now has a tutor available for Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation.
Because we are a participative congregation, annual dues are minimal at $490 for families and $245 for singles. We have no building fund, no formal religious school, no assessments, just care and concern for each other as we share the joys and sorrow of our daily lives.
What traditions Has Beth Ami Established?
The members of our little temple truly enjoy being with one another. We have High Holidays together, a yearly Hanukah party, a Purim celebration, and our ever growing Friendship Circle. Sallie Terman is our Friendship Circle organizer and is planning many wonderful events with her group chairpeople.
How Can I participate in The Temple?
There are many opportunities to volunteer throughout the year. You may lead a service, host an Oneg, help plan an event, be an usher or serve on a committee. Our temple is dependent on its members for survival. It is the participation of our families that makes Beth Ami unique.
Where Does The Temple Meet?
We meet at the Palo Cristi Presbyterian Church centrally located at: 3535 E. Lincoln Drive (the southwest corner of 36th Street & Lincoln Drive).
This is just a few blocks east of the Piestewa Parkway.
Who Can I Contact for Further Information?
Call Bobbi Lazarus, our Temple Administrator at: (602) 956-0805
Email her at:admin@bethamittemple.org
