Bet Shira, House of Song, is an inclusive Jewish community for people from diverse backgrounds who seek an active and joyful Jewish life on the Olympic Peninsula. The congregation is inter-generational, participatory, trans-denominational, and egalitarian. Membership is drawn primarily from the Northeast Olympic Peninsula, but all visitors to the Peninsula are welcome to participate.
The congregation offers an active calendar of Jewish activities:
- Monthly Shabbat evening Services
Kabbalat Shabbat and potluck dinner on the second Friday evening of each month.
Torah services occasionally are held quarterly on Saturday morning given staffing ability. Alternatively a Torah study may be scheduled.
- Holidays of the Jewish year
High Holy Day Services, including Tashlich at the beach, Sukkoth, Simchat Torah, Hanukkah, Purim, Passover, Shavuot.
- Community members' lifecycle events
Bris & Baby Namings, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, weddings, shiva calls.
- Religious Education
At Bet Shira, Jewish education programs are dedicated to teaching the community's children the traditions and history of their Jewish faith, and enriching the spiritual experience of our adult members during our services and holiday celebrations.
- Services
Our services integrate prayer, blessings, a breadth of Jewish melodies, and contemporary insights into their rich traditions. Lay leaders conduct all services; volunteers plan, organize, and staff all events. Other activities have included Torah study, Havdalah, klezmer music, Israeli dancing, movie nights, bagel brunches, a children’s choir, and social activism in the local community. Religious education programs and Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation for children is organized and conducted by community members.
- Membership
A link to the membership application form for 5785 (2024-2025) can be found on our Membership Page.Bet Shira Stands Up for Rights of Refugees and Immigrants
Website
We hope that you will like what you find here, and we welcome your comments. Please send comments and suggestions by email to betshira@yahoo.com.
Submissions will be evaluated by the Board of Directors prior to publication. Submissions must be germane to the purpose of Bet Shira and this website. Commercial solicitations cannot be published.
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