Congregation Beth Chaverim is the only Reform Jewish Congregation in Virginia Beach.
At Beth Chaverim you will find a spiritually uplifting environment that will feel like home very quickly. Our Friday night Services will permit you and your family to celebrate in a traditional manor with a hint of modern Judaism. Our prayer and song primarily come from the Gates of Prayer and are lead by Rabbi Israel Zoberman and our Soloist Jim Hibberd with accompaniment by Norm Schonbrich. At times Temple groups such as the Sisterhood or Youth will conduct Services using Creative Services, adding special songs and readings that go along with a specific theme, while still meeting all Service requirements. Each Service is customarily followed by friendship and communion with food and drink at our Onegs.
Each month there are several special Services. The third Friday of each month is Family Shabbat, the Service begins one half hour earlier and the content is slightly modified for the benefit of the children. Smaller children and their families are also invited to join us for TOT Shabbat the second Saturday of each month at 11:00 a.m. for personal time with the Rabbi, a craft and snacks. On the first Shabbat of each month at 10:30 a.m. (Saturday morning) the Congregation is encouraged to come together for Temple in the Round. This is a special time when, as one family, we can participate in an open forum for a traditional Service and Torah reading. The Parsha is discussed and everyone has the opportunity discuss what the Torah is teaching us and apply it to today's world. This Service is always followed by a Kiddush Luncheon.
The Ritual Committee has developed a series of Ritual Guides to assist members of the Congregation with learning about important milestones in Jewish Life. The following guides are available both on-line and in the Temple Office for your convenience:
Birth, B'nai Mitzvah, Weddings and Death & Mourning
We hope that you will take part in everything or something that our Congregation has to offer. Someone from our committee is always available to you if you have any questions, suggestions or just want to chat.
B'Shalom,
Congregation Beth Chaverim Ritual Committee
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Congregation Beth Chaverim is supported financially in many ways. The staff who serve the membership, buildings that make up our campus, and services offered to the membership require money to allow us to keep our doors open and provide the services you want and expect.
We ask individuals and families seeking membership in our congregation to donate dues as one substantial part of their fair share contribution to help maintain the Temple, grounds, and general upkeep of the organization and its physical plant. (Donations of time and personal expertise are another substantial part and are greatly appreciated.) Consideration to income and a variety of factors are made a part of the process, and we do our best to work with those who want to affiliate with us to find a mutually beneficial level for their dues commitment. As is customary for most congregations, we also have a building fund commitment that is expected of each member family. We offer a variety of payment options including lump sum payment, monthly billing, or automatic monthly credit card payments.
Fundraising plays a major part in sustaining us financially. Our Temple runs a weekly bingo game using congregants as the volunteer workers at this ongoing fundraiser. The net proceeds of the game have been contributing well over $100,000 each year to the benefit of the membership. It has allowed us to accelerate the Temple’s sanctuary and religious school construction. It provides one of the main financial revenue streams that keep our congregation viable. We ask that members make a monthly commitment toward bingo endeavors.
Donations of all types are always welcome. We accept cash and other monetary donations as well as those of materials as they may be needed. Our Donor Wall recognizes those who made major contributions above our expected dues and building fund commitments toward realizing our new sanctuary and religious school expansion. There are also special recognition options available on our Tree of Life as well as more traditional donations for, say, plaques on our memorial boards. These are on display in our main lobby and sanctuary respectively. Throughout the year other fundraising opportunities are offered and are well received by the membership.
If you have questions about making donations or other financial matters, please feel free to contact the Treasurer or any of the other officers of the Board of Directors. With your continued participation and support we look forward to maintaining Congregation Beth Chaverim as a viable and vibrant part of Hampton Roads’ Jewish community now and in the future.
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