Membership
Welcome to Your Jewish Neighborhood!
“Words can’t even describe how welcoming members and staff of the Temple Isaiah congregation have been to our family. From the moment we stepped into the temple at our first Shabbat service, different individuals approached us and gave us great insight into how special the people are at Temple Isaiah. We have truly never experienced anything like this anywhere else and Temple Isaiah has become an important reason why our acclimation to the Bay area has been so positive.” - The Glass Family
Temple Isaiah is an inclusive community welcoming people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to worship in our sanctuary, study with us, and celebrate Jewish holidays and life cycle rituals.
As a Reform congregation, we recognize as Jewish those who are the children of either Jewish mothers or fathers, and Jews by choice who have converted to Judaism.
Temple Isaiah welcomes people from interfaith/intercultural, and dual/multifaith families or relationships. Our clergy and members meet people where they are when they enter our midst, and guide everyone toward learning and Jewish growth at an appropriate, individual pace. Many non-Jewish members of Jewish partners at Temple Isaiah choose active participation in Temple life without conversion to Judaism, while others choose to embrace Judaism.
You are welcome to come and experience our caring community at our services and programs open to the public.
Becoming a member of Temple Isaiah
“We moved here from the east coast, knowing hardly anyone in the area. But from the moment we attended our first Shabbat service at Temple Isaiah and were warmly welcomed by both clergy and congregants, we felt like we belonged. Services are engaging and relevant and members have reached out, graciously inviting us to events and into their homes. There are so many opportunities to take advantage of, whether it is volunteering, personal enrichment, educational or social - in short, there is something here for everyone. Temple Isaiah is a wonderful community and we are so happy to be a part of it.” - Susan and Andy Shapiro
How does membership work?
Many of our services and programs are open to non-members and others require membership. If you are interested becoming members, please contact us to get to know you, help answer questions and send an email to confirm that you are members. It is that easy. Welcome!
Our membership year is July 1 to June 30. Annual membership commitments, plus pledges toward the security fund and building fund, are tax-deductible charitable contributions to support Temple Isaiah and are not use fees or dues. We ask all new member households, when ready, to confirm their pledges toward membership, the security fund and building fund, with a payment schedule that is comfortable and for them. Annual membership renewal takes place by July 1 each year and you can choose to automatically renew.
“Sustaining level” annual membership commitment amounts per household are set at the membership meeting each May. We call it our sustaining level because if 100% of our member households could meet this requested donation, we could sustain our operating budget without the need for additional fundraising. We ask all households who are able to please join at the sustaining level. All are welcome to belong regardless of financial situation thanks to our Isaiah Pillars who give above the sustaining level to help us remain inclusive. Learn more about Isaiah Pillars at https://temple-isaiah.org/about/isaiah-pillars.
Your donation is not just a gift- it’s a way of showing that you recognize the importance of and shared responsibility for supporting Temple Isaiah. Whatever you contribute, you are a valued member of our community. We welcome, acknowledge, and thank every Temple member for their support.
Questions? We’d love to hear from you. Please click here for our online contact form, call us at (925) 283-8575 or contact membership coordinator Marsha Anderson at (925) 283-8575 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
- Why Choose Temple Isaiah?
Temple Isaiah, the premier California Reform Jewish Congregation nestled in the heart of Lafayette, CA, invites you to experience a vibrant and inclusive community deeply rooted in Reform Judaism values. Enriched by our dynamic programs and engaging services, Temple Isaiah offers a plethora of opportunities for spiritual growth, education, and social connection.
Immerse yourself in the warmth of our Shabbat services, where the harmonious blend of traditional liturgy and contemporary interpretations creates a meaningful and uplifting experience. Join us for our renowned Shabbatarama service, a beloved intergenerational gathering brimming with positive energy and love, epitomizing our commitment to fostering a welcoming environment for all.
Explore our comprehensive educational offerings tailored for every stage of life, from our esteemed Gan Ilan preschool nurturing the youngest minds, to our innovative JQuest youth education program empowering the next generation of Jewish leaders. Delve into adult learning experiences that stimulate the mind and nourish the soul, including Hebrew and Jewish studies courses, Torah study sessions, and enriching scholar lectures.
At Temple Isaiah, music is woven into the fabric of our spiritual expression, thanks to our talented full-time Cantor who infuses soulful melodies into our worship services and special events. Whether you’re attending our Tot Shabbat services, experiencing the joy of Shabbat in the Park, or reveling in the festive tunes of our Mizmor Band, there’s a unique Shabbat experience awaiting you.
Embrace the spirit of community through our diverse array of social and cultural activities, including family programs, yoga and meditation sessions, and thought-provoking Torah study groups. Participate in our social justice initiatives, embodying the values of tikkun olam as we strive to make a positive impact in our local and global communities.
Discover the essence of Jewish life at Temple Isaiah, where tradition meets innovation, and every individual is embraced with open arms. Join us on a journey of spiritual discovery, lifelong learning, and meaningful connections. Experience the beauty of Reform Judaism in action at Temple Isaiah – your home for authentic Jewish living in California.
- Our Clergy Team
Temple Isaiah has a diverse and dynamic clergy team that provide spiritual leadership, creative vision, pastoral care, lifecycle events, social action and social justice opportunities, and life-long Jewish scholarship and learning for our community. They inspire and enrich us through teaching, choral conducting and music. Our vibrant youth and teen programs and our JQuest program (Religious/Hebrew School) thrives under their direction. Our clergy team works collaboratively with staff and lay leadership to create the Jewish neighborhood we call Temple Isaiah. Learn more at https://temple-isaiah.org/about/staff-and-clergy/
- What Is Included in Membership?
New members of Temple Isaiah are supported by our membership coordinator, committee, and clergy to welcome you and help you create connections during your first year. As a member you will receive around the clock access to our dedicated clergy team for pastoral support and lifecycle events, are eligible for enrollment in our award-winning JQuest, B’nai Mitzvah, and Noar Night education programs and receive member discounts at Gan Ilan Preschool, Camp Kefli, adult education courses, and other programs. High holy day passes for each member of your household for all services are included in annual membership and members get a discount for purchasing any additional guest passes (when applicable). Members also receive invitations to participate in our Havurah program, WOI sisterhood, Anshei Isaiah brotherhood, Isaiah Circles (small groups), Values in Action (social action and social justice) programs and to attend our Temple holiday and festival events, scholars and artists in residence programs, clergy-led Israel trips, and much more.