We at Congregation Beth Or are committed to living a progressive Jewish religious life understood as devotion to Tikkun Atzmi - personal transformation toward wholeness and moral development, and Tikkun Olam - social action to repair the world. We respond to the mystery of existence with awe, reverence, and humility, and we affirm

• The objective study of religion and the natural world from which it emerged

• Equality in congregational status of Jewish and non-Jewish family members

• Equality regardless of gender, race, ethnicity and/or sexual orientation

• Respect for the religious and ritual freedom of all congregants, guaranteeing their complete equality.

As a progressive Jewish religious congregation committed to a human-centered approach, our mission is to provide for our members and their children, regardless of cultural background, opportunities for spiritual growth, character development, and the pursuit of knowledge and understanding. We do so drawing inspiration primarily from Jewish sources. We offer a spiritual home to seekers with doubts regarding conventional religious ideas and practices. We affirm pluralism and respect for diversity and invite all kindred spirits to join us.

Specifically, we undertake the following goals:

1) To strive to be more humane and compassionate, patient and kind; to pursue truth and justice; and to cultivate courage and self-reliance.

2) To deepen our commitment to social action programs that foster our spiritual growth through helping others.

3) To study meaningful sources, such as the Torah and other Jewish literature, as we explore fundamental questions about human existence and ethics.

4) To celebrate together our life cycle events, as well as the Shabbat and Jewish holidays, using non-supernatural liturgy consistent with our ideology.

5) To offer opportunities for introspection and sharing.

6) To continue to develop a caring community based on mutual values and aspirations.

7) To provide a religious school that parallels the program of the congregation, teaching its perspective and ensuring that students are familiar with Hebrew and with Jewish tradition.

8) To strengthen our connections with the larger Jewish community
9) To respect the religious and ritual freedom of all congregants.

Congregation Beth Or's Religious School Mission Statement

The mission of Congregation Beth Or's Religious School parallels that of the congregation, namely, to impart Jewish values, to engage students in the quest for knowledge and understanding, and to provide opportunities for spiritual growth and character development.

Our curriculum emphasizes Jewish thought, history, Hebrew language, liturgy, holidays, and customs as observed in our congregation. In addition, we familiarize our students, regardless of their own cultural background, with traditional Jewish practices so that they can function in a variety of Jewish settings. Our educational methods focus on empowerment of students' independent critical thinking, respect for diversity, and freedom of thought and belief. Students are actively involved in their own learning through open discussion, music, art, drama, and social action.

We strive to foster a sense of community in a warm, supportive and enjoyable atmosphere in which children can explore and strengthen their Jewish identity and humanity.