About Congregation Bet Haverim
As the only synagogue in Yolo County, Congregation Bet Haverim welcomes the diverse and growing Jewish population of the region, whose need for Jewish identity transcends differences in backgrounds. Bet Haverim provides an opportunity for the expression of the unique spiritual and ethnic common ground that makes us a people with a history and a future, while reflecting a spirit of community, friendship and concern.
^ TOPOur Mission and Core Values
Congregation Bet Haverim Mission Statement
Congregation Bet Haverim exists to promote the enduring and fundamental principles of Judaism and to ensure the continuity of the Jewish communal worship, study and assembly, and to apply the principles of Reform Judaism to the values and conduct of the individual, family, and the society in which we live.
Congregation Bet Haverim is the center for Jewish community life in Davis and its immediate surrounding area. We are committed to creating a deeply caring Jewish community which meets the educational, spiritual and socail needs of people in all stages of life. Our goal is to encourage people to interact with Jewish tradition and its values through Jewish study, worship, celebration, social action and social activities.
Congregation Bet Haverim Core Values
- We want to maintain a Jewish presence in Yolo County, with a multiplicity of ways for Jewish life and expression.
- We support Jewish people living Jewish lives, by providing opportunities, education and encouragement for maintaining and increasing involvement in Jewish peoplehood, religion, and spirituality.
- We respect and value Jewish traditions.
- We value lifeling Jewish learning.
- We support Israel.
- We want to be a warm, informal and egalitarian congregation - to remain "haimish."
- We value diversity, and welcome all members.
- We respect all members and their ideas.
- We strive to be responsibe to the needs of our members.
- We appreciate and value our members' volunteer work for the congregation.
Our History (Then and Now)
From its early beginnings in the 1950's when a small group of Jewish friends first met together in Davis, Congregation Bet Haverim has reflected a spirit of community, diversity and opportunity.
The growth of the Sacramento region has been reflected in our Congregation. In the first years, members welcomed Shabbat in each others' homes and held High Holy Day services in rented facilities. The focus was on joining together to celebrate the major holidays and life cycle events, to study together and augment Jewish learning.
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Oak Avenue Location, 1966 |
Oak Avenue Building |
Congregation Bet Haverim today |
In 1961, the Congregation incorporated as The Jewish Fellowship of Davis. The continued spirit of commitment led to the construction of a permanent home at 1821 Oak Avenue in 1972, employment of a full-time rabbi in 1983, affiliation with the Union for Reform Judaism (formerly UAHC) in 1986,and the adoption of the name Bet Haverim. Subsequently, due to the growth of our congregation, we moved in early 2004 to our current location at 1715 Anderson Road.
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Marilyn Groth, 1972 |
Libby and Gene Renkin, |
Meryl Rappaport, Purim 1961 |
Marvin Goldman & Ed Rabin, Early 80s |
Involvement in congregational life is multi-faceted, including the partnership of members in achieving common goals. Numerous committees, such as Adult Education, Membership, Ritual, Religious School, Social Action and many others offer opportunities to work together and to enhance Jewish life, which in turn helps to create lasting bonds among congregants. |
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Dues are based on a fair share concept. No one is turned away because of financial challenges. Everyone is welcome at Bet Haverim. |
Ernie & Hannah Biberstein |
Our Board of Directors
The Bet Haverim Board of Directors conducts congregational business, with oversight of all synagogue finances, facilities and human resources. They also ensure that the by-laws of the congregation are upheld. Each of the thirteen members of the Board are elected by the membership to individual three year terms.
^ TOPAbout Our Rabbi
Our spiritual leader is Rabbi Greg Wolfe. Learn more about the rabbi in Rabbi Wolfe's Corner.
^ TOPReligious Services
Jewish prayer and spirituality take many forms at Bet Haverim. Although
affiliated with the
Union for Reform Judaism, the synagogue serves as the only house of
Jewish worship in Yolo County and, therefore, strives to meet the needs
of Jews with a wide variety of beliefs, backgrounds and practices.
Please join us for Shabbat or holiday services, or for other ritual or spiritual programming. We look forward to welcoming you to Bet Haverim!