Temple Beth Israel

of Highland Park and Eagle Rock

As our Shabbat prayerbook, we use the Siddur Sim Shalom for Shabbat and Festivals, which is used by most Conservative and some Reform congregations.
Our services have plenty of Hebrew, but also plenty of English. The Siddur Sim Shalom has Hebrew and good English translations on facing pages.
People who grew up in a Conservative or a Conservative-leaning Reform congregation report that they feel comfortable with our services. We are friendly, and we try to make everyone feel welcome.
We sing a lot. We sing loud!
Our services are heartfelt.
Our Shabbat services are usually conducted by Cantor Ken Rothstein assisted by members of the congregation. Ken is a graduate of the Cantorial School at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York.
We don't have a rabbi most of the time. We do it ourselves, teaching each other and learning to fill all the roles called for by the liturgy. Services feature a drash (commentary) by a congregation member.
Children are welcome. There is a play and reading area adjacent to the sanctuary, but parents are responsible.
We try to start our Shabbat services on time at 10:00 a.m. Torah reading starts at around 10:40, and the service usually finishes around noon.
Shabbat services are followed by a dairy kiddush potluck. If you visit, plan to stay for lunch. If you bring food, please, dairy or vegetarian only (no meat).

We use the High Holiday Prayer Book by Morris Silverman (the "Silverman Mahzor").
This is the only time during the year when a rabbi leads our services, in cooperation with Cantor Ken Rothstein and assisted by members of the congregation.
We have a full set of services, including Rosh Hashanah eve, first day of Rosh Hashanah, second day of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur eve, and Yom Kippur day.
We break for a couple of hours on Yom Kippur afternoon, with a study session for those who wish. Then we come back to complete the day's services.
We have an oneg with tea and cake after services on Rosh Hashanah eve. We have a potluck break-the-fast after services late on Yom Kippur afternoon (dairy or vegetarian only, please).
Those who wish can join with our friends from Temple Knesseth Israel for a tashlich service at Echo Park Lake.
There is space for children in the social hall adjacent to the sanctuary, but parents are responsible for their children.
Admission is free for temple members.
The yizkor memorial service for the departed takes place some time between 11:30 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. on Yom Kippur day.
More information is on our High Holidays page.