Temple B’nai Tikvah

Lovely contemplative Reform Synagogue. Very open to all faiths.

Review #3900!
Teshuvah means «return» and is the word used to describe the concept of repentance in Judaism. Only by atoning for our sins can we restore balance to our relationship with God and with our fellow human beings. Teshuvah is most frequently associated with the High Holy Days, but people can seek forgiveness for wrongs they have committed at any time.
My previous visits to the old Jewish Communities in Belmonte and Tomar Portugal got me thinking about my own religious observance. I’ve fallen off the grid over the last few years, mostly due to the negligence (in my opinion) of a few East Bay synagogues regarding my son’s Jewish education. I figured that if he wasn’t welcome there, I wasn’t going to walk through their doors either.
But I really miss the Ruach Elohim (God’s Spirit) that I find in some synagogues and certain parts of the Jewish Community. Gayle has sensed that and occasionally suggests that we try out a few places closer to our home. I was also in Calgary recently around the High Holidays and decided to spend a Sunday Erev Rosh Hashana with the good folks at Temple B’nai Tikvah.
I really enjoyed myself and felt very welcome here. And in one of the best examples of «Extreme Makeover» that I have seen, this Shul has done a wonderful job in converting this former Church property into a vibrant Jewish House of Worship. I enjoyed Rabbi Howard’s words of wisdom and the comfort that I felt in this place. The Cantor was fabulous and the associated violin/​piano performance really made the service moving and memorable. I would gladly come back the next time I’m in Town, knowing that this experience (and several subsequent repentance discussions) has already helped speed my Return.