Welcome to Beth Israel: The West Temple
We represent those who reside, generally, west of the Cuyahoga River, from Oberlin to the west, to Strongsville on the South, to downtown Cleveland. We celebrate Shabbat with services every week of the year – on both Friday night and Saturday mornings – led by our Rabbi and/or members of our Ritual Committee.
These efforts, over more than sixty-five years, strengthen the Jewish community in Northeast Ohio and contribute to our duty of tikkun olam – repairing the world.
To provide a center of worship, education, and community for Jews in Cleveland’s western communities.
- To help our children learn about Jewish traditions and values.
- To give our members a tolerant and accepting environment in which to develop their own Jewish identities.
- To assure the continuity of our people’s traditions, values, and life.
Meet Our Leadership
Rabbi Rachel BrownAs of this year, Rabbi Brown is BI-TWT’s new Rabbi. “This is what you can expect from me: When we are together, I will pay attention to you, I will listen to you, I will treat you as created in the Divine image–because you are.”
– Rabbi Brown
Rabbi Emerita Enid C. LaderRabbi Lader served the congregation for many years as a member-volunteer in a variety of roles before being ordained in 2010. She was installed as BI-TWT’s Rabbi in 2012 until her retirement in 2023.
Debbie Chessin, EducatorDebbie brings not only experience, having worked for 13 years at several Cleveland area congregations before coming to BI-TWT, but a true passion for Jewish Religious and Family Education programming.
Board of TrusteesOur Board is committed to maintaining a vibrant, welcoming and inclusive congregation by inviting everyone to participate in all aspects of temple life.
A Modern Day Exodus
It all started here, in the 1960s, as Beth Israel began a movement that ultimately saw 1.6 million Jews leave the former Soviet Union.
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