Welcome to Beth Israel – The West Temple.
We are a full-service synagogue representing 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.
Our mission is:
- 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; and,
- to assure the continuity of our people’s traditions, values, and life.
These efforts, over more than sixty years, strengthen the Jewish community in Northeast Ohio and contribute to our duty of Tikkun Olam – repairing the world.
Peter Sackett, President, Board of Trustees
Beth Israel – The West Temple
A Modern-Day Exodus
The Ohio Historical Connection has approved an historical marker at Beth Israel – The West Temple. The marker, “A Modern-Day Exodus” will honor the accomplishments of the Cleveland Committee on Soviet Anti-Semitism, started in 1963 by a small group of Beth Israel congregants.
Cemetery Visit with Rabbi Lader
Yom Kippur Services
On behalf of Beth Israel—The West Temple, we are delighted to invite you to attend High Holy Day services. Ours is a warm and welcoming congregation and we would like to have you join us as we usher in the High Holy Days.
Yom Kippur Services will be on Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 7:30 (Kol Nidre Service),
and Wednesday, Oct. 9, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., as follows:
Morning Service: 10 a.m.
Yizkor Service No. 1: 1 p.m.
Study Session: 2 p.m.
Afternoon Service / Family Service led by Debbie Chessin: 3 p.m.
Yizkor Service No. 2 and Ne’ilah Service: 4:30 p.m.
Join us for Shabbat
Our Leadership
Rabbi 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.
Debbie 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.
Rabbi Emeritus Alan B. Lettofsky
Rabbi Lettofsky served Beth Israel – The West Temple from 1999 until his retirement in 2012. He continues to lead and assist in services at BI-TWT on special occasions, and he remains active as part-time chaplain at Hillcrest Hospital on behalf of the Jewish Community Federation.
Our Board is committed to maintaining a vibrant, welcoming and inclusive congregation by inviting everyone to participate in all aspects of temple life.
