Great reasons to join Beth Tikvah

Joseph Henson, President

In our many years of marriage, we have relocated a number of times. Just like looking for our new home and the kid’s school, shul shopping was an important part of our relocation procedure. For our family, being a member of a compatible synagogue was (and is) important to us. Now, being in our empty nest years, like many others in Collier and Lee Counties, our perspective has morphed to a senior adult focus.

This leads me to the reason for this article: Five great reasons to join Beth Tikvah!

Reason No. 1

Beth Tikvah is a welcoming congregation in a hands-on way. When we first sat in a pew at Beth Tikvah, a long-standing Beth Tikvah member immediately welcomed us to the community. She told us about all the great things going on in Beth Tikvah and the wider Jewish community and invited my wife to join with her. Now, we want new people to feel just as welcome at Beth Tikvah.

Reason No. 2

We have an excellent Kiddush luncheon hosted by our members following Shabbat morning services. Beth Tikvah has a kosher dairy kitchen. However, since we live in Southwest Florida, our hospitality staff and volunteer members often find themselves preparing either a kosher style dairy or pareve menu. Kiddush and conversation begin as Shabbat services end with singing Adon Olam around noon and lasts for a very pleasant hour or so.

Reason No. 3

A wide and varied range of programming is available for members and their guests. Among other things, Beth Tikvah cohosts the very well received Naples Jewish Film Festival with Jewish Federation of Greater Naples. We also offer an interesting Speakers’ Series and informative Scholars in Residence weekends. We recognize and remember significant events and organizations, like Gen Shoah or Israel’s Independence Day, with respect and reverence.

Always among our most well received events are the holiday celebrations for Hanukah, Purim and our Kosher First Night Seder. While age does have some effect, for example, we may not be as spry when dancing around the synagogue on Simchas Torah, we are at least enthusiastic! And I am certain that we do not take a back seat to anyone when swinging our graggers on Purim.

Reason No. 4

Beth Tikvah is a supportive congregation that helps one another in times of need. When troubled times happen, our Chesed Committee maintains contact with those undergoing difficulties by providing a caring response, whether it is a bouquet of cheerful flowers or arranging for a meal during a member’s illness. Our Chesed Fund aids mourners during shiva. Beyond the fine work of our Chesed Committee, Beth Tikvah members regularly reach out with a kind word to fellow members who are ill or experiencing the loss of a loved one.

Reason No. 5

Although Beth Tikvah’s life-cycle commemorations are infrequently for Bar/ Bat Mitzvah boys or girls or marriages, we do regularly have Bar/Bat Mitzvah Torah readings to celebrate 50 years and higher since the celebrant first stood before the congregation. Wedding anniversaries of 50 years and more are almost a weekly event.

We invite you to participate in our traditional Shabbat services by joining us for Shacharit beginning at 9:30 a.m. At 10:15 a.m., when the Torah is taken out and the Torah service begins, even more members arrive. You will find Beth Tikvah is egalitarian and inclusive. Our members can be as active as they wish in our services. Each of us benefits from Rabbi Chorny’s Torah commentary and sermons.

I am certain that you will agree that Beth Tikvah should be your shul of choice!