Congregation Beth Israel is the center of celebration and of remembrance for every important event in a Jewish person's life.
Brit Milah Congregation Beth Israel's certified mohel, Dr. Richard Lowensohn, is an obstetrical sub-specialist and professor at OHSU and has been certified by Hebrew Union College, Jewish Institute of Religion to perform Jewish religious circumcisions. Our Rabbi and Cantor are also available to officiate with Dr. Lowensohn in the Brit Milah ceremony.
Baby Naming Naming and blessing a Jewish baby or child is his or her first welcome into Jewish life. The naming takes place within the congregational community at Shabbat Services, or congregants may have a naming ceremony at home.
B'nei Mitzvah A Bar or Bat Mitzvah (beginning at age 13) celebrates the child's first reading from the Torah before the Congregation. Preparation starts with a meeting among the family, the rabbi and the educator. We have a two-year curriculum for our B'nei Mitzvah Students, which includes Hebrew, Jewish Studies and Tikkun Olam.
Weddings Congregation Beth Israel offers several settings for weddings of all sizes. Ceremonies can be held in the Main Sanctuary, Pollin Chapel or Shemanski Chapel. Blumauer Auditorium and Goodman Hall provide two options for celebrations, from small intimate receptions to full service dining and dancing receptions.
Beth Israel Cemetery Congregation Beth Israel provides a beautifully maintained cemetery at 426 Southwest Taylors Ferry Road in Southwest Portland, 97219. The on-site Landau Chapel may be used for funeral services. Family plots may be purchased in a newly developed area of the cemetery. Ground burial is available as well as vault entombment and niches for urns in four mausoleums. Please call or email us for additional cemetery information.  Click here for a map.