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 70 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.
While our congregation has become more "mature" over time, singles, couples, and families of all ages are welcome to join our family.
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. Our Rabbi Arthur Abrams, and Pam Beitman, our Cantorial Soloist, will be leading our Beth Ami Temple family in worship.
Temple Beth Ami's also has services conducted by its members. Those who wish to, may lead a service and share their insights and interpretations of that week’s Torah reading with the congregation. Member families also take turns hosting an Oneg after each service.
Once a month, we share a "pot luck" dinner together before services. We are fortunate to be gifted with many wonderful cooks.
Because we are a participative congregation, annual dues are minimal at $490 for a family and $245 for singles. We offer Bar/Bat Mitzvah training, but 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, and a Purim celebration.
Beth Ami is fortunate to have an active Friendship Circle, where members can have dinner together and explore interests such as books, movies, creative writing, bridge., and our Torah Study Group originally founded by the late Earl Terman, and now led by Arlene Freedberg. Our Friendship Circle is being organized by Sallie Terman.
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, lead an interest group, or serve on a committee. Our temple is dependant 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
