UUCP is delighted to welcome Beth Ami Temple to make its home on our campus; its first service with us was held on Friday, November 8. Beth Ami congregation and Board members brought their Torah scrolls from their previous place of worship, processing in with them through the courtyard entrance, past the mezuzah hung there. The scrolls were then placed in their new home within the ark, which stands at the front of our sanctuary.
Rev. Christine joined in the service, along with Board Co-Presidents Bunny Hodas and Shelley Stephenson. Rev. Christine addressed the congregation and shared part of UUCP’s history, which was that in the 1950s, as UUCP was searching for an organization to house us, the local Jewish Community Center had welcomed us when no one else would. Beth Ami congregants found this connection with our history very moving, and a positive sign for our shared future.
Beth Ami congregants were also delighted that their UUCP guests tried to participate and sing along to the Shabbat blessings and prayers. Rev. Christine presented the congregation with the gift of loaves of fresh challah bread, which were blessed by the rabbi, along with wine, as part of the Kiddush.
Afterwards, many Beth Ami members expressed their pleasure to be worshiping in such a lovely, open space. The Temple will be holding services at UUCP every other Friday. Our first experience of worshiping together was wonderful, and we have every expectation that Beth Ami Temple will find joy in its new home with us at UUCP.