FAQ

What can you tell me about Temple Beth Or?
Founded in 1912, Temple Beth Or continues an unbroken tradition of living up to its name – House of Light. While we are surely more progressive in thought and practice than all those years ago, our basic beliefs have not changed.  We make it a priority to create a welcoming, intimate atmosphere because we cherish each and every congregant as an important part of our temple family. Temple Beth Or (TBO) is located at 5315 Creedmoor Road in Raleigh, NC.  We also provide a community for Western Wake County with our Temple Beth Or West Satellite program.

We offer a temple where you can grow spiritually and intellectually, enrich your Jewish identity, and engage in meaningful acts of social justice.   You can share holidays and joyous occasions, and count on our caring community for support in times of need – all while making lifelong friends. Our clergy and leadership welcome your ideas, involvement, and seek out opportunities to address you and your family in meaningful ways.

We offer a Preschool, Religious School and Youth Group with activities for grades K-12, educational opportunities for all ages, wonderful clergy available for life-cycle events and more, inspiring religious services for Shabbat and all holidays, a variety of groups and committees dedicated to making connections with each other and contributing to our community at large.

Who may join the TBO Community?

We are thrilled you are interested in joining the TBO Community.  Families must have at least one Jewish member and Individual members must be Jewish.  We do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, color, sexual orientation, age, or disability and warmly embrace everyone who enters our community. We dedicate ourselves to being particularly supportive of interfaith families, Jews by choice, and non-traditional households.

What are the benefits of joining the TBO Community?

Many of the benefits of joining our community are not quantifiable. Who can measure the worth of seeing one’s children grow with other happy, committed, open-minded Jewish kids?  Or the value of friendships forged through years of studying and celebrating together? Who can measure the significance of joining with others to support someone through a serious illness? Or the merit of joining with hundreds of other searching souls and singing voices on High Holy Days?

However, when you join our community you can expect:

• The privilege of pastoral care, including the counsel and support of our clergy for lifecycle events (B’nai Mitzvah, Confirmation, Weddings) and in times of difficulty and bereavement
• Eligibility for enrollment of your children in our Religious School
• Discount for our preschool and space rental
• The privilege of studying with our clergy in weekly Torah study groups, and in other learning opportunities in which we explore a variety of fascinating topics.
• A broad array of worship, educational, cultural and social opportunities for members of all ages. Our members of every age and background can expect to learn with depth, find inspiration through worship, and join in an inclusive community within and beyond our walls.
• Opportunities to help the TBO Community by volunteering for one of our many committees
• Subscription to our monthly newsletter, Temple Topics and to our periodic email blasts
• Opportunities to travel in our programs for adults, families and individuals guided by our clergy in Israel and other sites.
• Opportunities to personally raise your voice for social justice, such as participating in the multi-faith coalition our Temple participates in to promote unity
• Opportunities to make a difference in the lives of fellow temple members by participating in Chesed projects
• Membership in the Union for Reform Judaism, the national organization of the Reform Movement, giving each member a subscription to URJ’s quarterly magazine, discounted tuition to URJ Camps and NFTY youth programs, educational programs and leadership opportunities for adults.

How much does membership cost?

At Temple Beth Or, we pride ourselves on making membership accessible to anyone and everyone, through a broad range of membership categories. You can find more detailed information on the Membership Gift page.  Temple Beth Or is a welcoming community for everyone regardless of financial ability.  We are fortunate to have Leadership Donors who help cover the gap between member dues and actual operating expenses.  Please click here to be directed for more information on giving to support our community through your Leadership Membership Gift.

What is not included in my Membership Gift?

Temple Beth Or asks community members to purchase passes for High Holiday Services.

Temple Beth Or has a $1,500 Building Fund obligation that all members are asked to contribute to maintain and improve our wonderful campus. The Building Fund may be paid in installments. Credit is given to those who have paid into a building fund at another Union for Reform Judaism congregation.

There are other opportunities to give tzedakah throughout the year.  You can learn more here.

Who should I contact for more information?

If you have not visited the Temple or worshiped with us, please call the Temple Office at 919-781-4895 x 100 to let us know when you would like to visit, and we will be glad to arrange to have someone meet with you to introduce you to our temple and programs, provide a tour of our facilities, and answer your questions.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your application, do not hesitate to call our office at 919-781-4895 ext. 100. 

We would love you to attend one of our many events or Shabbat services. We know that you will come away feeling engaged, included and connected. Temple Beth Or is truly a special community and we invite you to become part of our caring and supportive family.