In December 1997, a group of men and woman convened at a private home for worship and study and to work through their idea of a synagogue community. Over time, and as more people attended the monthly services, the gathering evolved into a congregation. And although many of the congregants were no longer in the spring of their own lives, they named this burgeoning congregation Bet Aviv--House or Tent of Spring--tent for its welcoming policy of inclusion and spring to symbolize its energy and the power of Jewish community to renew lives at every juncture.
Soon, the group was guided to Rabbi Marc Lee Raphael, who conducted his first Bet Aviv service in May 1998. Not long after, the synagogue settled into a neighborhood center, Amherst House. Morris Levine, the first President, had the foresight to set aside reserve funds which allowed us to move in fall, 2004, as permanent owners, to the Meeting House in Oakland Mills. It felt like home, especially since it was in this space that, from the beginning, we had held our High Holiday services.
After Morris's term, Saul Lubitz assumed the presidency, followed by Barbara Hurwitz, Sami Klein, Howie Feldmesser and Richard Tobin. Our current co-presidents are Geri Epstein and Marty Stein. Each president brought his or her own talents and strengths to the position and left an enduring legacy.
Founded with approximately 35 families, we are now 219 families strong. We have celebrated several bnai mitzvot, including a memorable one for nine adult women. On our fifth anniversary, we retold the Bet Aviv story in narrative and song. We celebtated our 10th anniversary in November 2008.
Beyond our bi-monthly services, that are led by Rabbi Raphael and Cantor Marge Auerbach and enhanced by a pianist and choir, Bet Aviv has, since its founding, demonstrated its commitment to social action and study through adult education classes.
In little more than a decade, Bet Aviv has flourished and grown without sacrificing its original intent to construct a vital synagogue community, enriched with experience and welcoming to all.
