President's Message

Shalom,

Exciting things are happening at Temple Beth El!

Temple Beth El (“TBE”) is a Reconstructionist Synagogue in Newark, Delaware.

TBE was founded in 1954 by a core group of Jewish families. Today, we have approximately 270 family units with close to 200 children in our 2-day-a week religious school. Originally housed in an old A-frame on Main Street, TBE moved into its present building in September of 1984. Our social hall was recently updated and, thanks to the generosity of one of our congregants, we are presently expanding our space with a beautiful new, multi-use auxiliary building in honor of the late Vicki Temko.

As of August 1st, 2010, we are delighted to welcome our new religious leader, Rabbi Micah Becker-Klein, who joins us from Springfield, Massachusetts. Rabbi Becker-Klein brings with him a new energy and musical inspiration, emphasizing both historical context and contemporary relevance teachings. Our former Rabbi, David B. Kaplan, has retired after 22 years of service and remains a member of our congregation in the status of rabbi emeritus.

We invite you to join us for weekend services and experience the warmth and inclusiveness that are hallmarks of TBE. Opportunities for involvement abound at Temple Beth El. Our Men's Club and Sisterhood are central to Temple Beth El’s social community, offering monthly programs, fundraising activities, social action projects, baking, catering, working the Blue Rocks concessions and more. Mens’ Club brunches, featuring a variety of speakers, are held monthly on Sunday mornings and are open to all temple members. Our choir and Klezmer band welcome men, women and teens who enjoy singing or have talent playing a musical instrument. We have an active BBYO chapter that provides social interaction, leadership training and more for older teens and a Teen Connection program for our younger teens. Whether you are new to the area, an old friend or simply looking to experience Judaism in a new way, I hope you will join us and sample the TBE experience or contact our administrator to schedule a tour.

Marla H. Norton

President

Here is a link to my 2010 Yom Kippur Speech.