Values

In Sept. 2020, our congregants were asked, “What are the first three words that come to mind when you think about the congregation?” The words in the image above represent their answers.

Inclusive Service To All

We celebrate and encourage the diversity of our membership by our dedication to making Jewish life at Temple Beth Shalom accessible in every way. We offer our congregants educational, spiritual and social programs to support a sense of Jewish identity.

Ruach (Spirit)

We embrace our ruach through heartfelt worship, learning and participation in community events.  With our Reform Jewish perspective, we honor tradition while encouraging innovation and enthusiasm in all our endeavors for a thriving congregation.

Leadership with Integrity

We seek everyone's participation in our temple governance by actively soliciting members to apply their skills, talents and ideas. Leadership must exemplify Jewish values by being open, honest and accountable.

Menschful Membership

We encourage active and engaged participation in temple life. Programs at Temple Beth Shalom are member driven and are enriched by the involvement of our congregants and lay leaders. Participation is fundamental to how we build our Jewish community and support each other through s'machot (joyous events) or life's challenges.

Lifelong Learning

We provide a diverse, rich and relevant learning experience. We support each member, from our youngest to our eldest, throughout their Jewish life journey by offering multiple educational programs which address theology, history, ritual and culture.

Acts of Lovingkindness

We build a strong sense of belonging by giving of ourselves in support of each other, our Austin community, and the world at large. Whether paying a compliment for a deed well done, giving thanks, mentoring someone, visiting the sick or infirm, offering words of comfort or by simply keeping our promises, menschlichkeit (humanity) is a byword of Temple Beth Shalom.

Tikkun Olam

We believe in our responsibility to help repair the world. We seek to create opportunities and encourage our members, individually and in partnership with other organizations, to work for lasting change that will make our local and global communities more just and equitable, especially for those who have been historically disenfranchised by systems and institutions.

Israel

We understand a relationship with Israel, the people and the modern state, to be an ingredient of Jewish identity. We remain dedicated to Israel as the homeland of the Jewish people and others who live there as reflected in Israel’s Declaration of Independence, which calls for freedom, justice, and peace. Through education, thoughtful conversation, and encouraging travel, we will instill love, connection, and support in our members for Israel and its people.