An Inclusive Congregation

Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael is a Conservative Egalitarian synagogue in Springfield, NJ, affiliated with The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. At Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael, we are dedicated to enriching the lives of our congregants by providing an inviting environment for spiritual, educational, and social interaction. Joining our synagogue means becoming part of a greater, sacred community bound together in its commitment to Judaism and the future of Judaism as a spiritual family.

Belonging to our congregation means participating in a two-way venture; the sense of community that you will gain, the lasting friendships you can build, the spiritual growth you can pursue, and the opportunity to participate in the building of a temple community with which you can identify.

Inclusive Congregation

Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael is an inclusive congregation, welcoming the broader community of mature couples, singles, families, interfaith and interracial families, those with disabilities, and the LGBTQ community. We are dedicated to enriching the lives of our congregational family by providing an inviting environment for spiritual, educational, and social interaction and growth.

Our objective is to preserve the customs and rituals of our religious heritage while acknowledging the realities of the ever-changing demographics of our congregational profile. Through the actions of our clergy and our members, we invest and engage in activities that:

  • recognize the abundant diversity of cultures;
  • respect cultural differences;
  • acknowledge the validity of different cultural expressions and contributions;
  • value what other cultures offer;
  • encourage the contribution of diverse groups;
  • celebrate the differences in order to bring about unity through diversity;

We have both ongoing and one-time events that endeavor to demonstrate our inclusive philosophy, such as our Scholar-in-Residence Spirituality Series – For the past few years, the Adult Education Committee has created a series of educational sessions leading the congregation on a Jewish Spiritual Journey. Some past courses have included: Judaism and Astrology, Beshert, Jewish Views on Afterlife, Spirituality and Shabbat, Kabbalat Shabbat, Judaism Magic and Superstition, Bubbe Meises, and the Soul of Animals.

"Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael has been the spiritual home to my family for almost 20 years. Yes, my husband Mariano is not Jewish, but that usually feels like a mere detail. We participate fully in synagogue life: my husband and I both regularly attend Friday night services, volunteer, and contribute financially. Both of our children had their B’nai Mitzvot at TBAY; my husband was a full participant who accompanied me to the bima for all of the parent honors. We also joined Rabbi Mallach on the synagogue trip to Israel. TBAY has been a welcoming community for us that we feel fully part of. One more thing. I am not just a member of TBAY; I am also the Immediate Past President of the congregation."

- Susan Blanco

Examples of Accommodations

  • Large Print Siddurim and Machzorim
  • Allergy-friendly meals and refreshments
  • Gender-neutral restroom
  • Elevators available for entry to sanctuary and Bimah for wheelchair users
  • Access to live streaming of worship services through computer (due to bandwidth concerns, must be arranged in advance with Temple office)