Founded in 1943, Temple Beth Sholom was, is and always will be first in Orange County -- and we accept the challenge of honoring that commitment for generations to come. We began as the first congregational Jewish presence in the area. Today, we carry on that legacy with substance, vitality and vision. After beginning with 25 families meeting in the home of one of its members, the congregation occupied its first building at the corner of Eighth and Bush Streets in Santa Ana in 1945. In 1962 the congregation of 262 families moved into its present location, which underwent significant remodeling during the 1990s.
We continue to be "dedicated to making our congregation a focal point of Jewish family and communal life for our members, through excellence in professional and lay leadership, education, programming and spirituality," as written in our mission statement. Our congregation brings together third- and fourth-generation families, as well as newcomers. We are people of all ages from all over Orange County and beyond, unified by a desire to participate in Jewish life in a warm, caring and uplifting environment. Our renowned clergy, educators and dedicated lay leaders give us innovative programming, spiritual inspiration and the motivation to grow Jewishly as individuals and as a congregation
Temple Beth Sholom has a large campus of two buildings and patios nestled among a park-like setting. Our outdoor sukkah plaza and school rotunda provide inviting space for congregational worship and gathering.
Our main building includes our sanctuary, a warm and beautiful spiritual setting designed for spiritual activities, life cycle events and individual reflection. In our golden ark, representing angels rising to heaven, there are six Torah scrolls, one of which is a Sephardic style, and another saved from the Holocaust.
We have a beautifully refurbished social hall with new carpeting and chairs, an updated kitchen, an oak dance floor and a large screen projection system that make the social hall a perfect spot for celebrations, accommodating up to 300 people. Other features of the main building are two elegant foyers, a board room, Temple offices and three lovely patios.
The rotunda building houses our Religious School, Jewish Preschool, library and school offices. The youth lounge is the gathering place for our popular and very active youth groups. There are twelve classrooms and an activity center with a kitchen.
Call the Temple office at (714) 628-4600 to arrange for rental of our facilities
Our membership includes more than 500 households primarily from the Orange County areas of Santa Ana, Orange, Tustin, Villa Park, Anaheim, Anaheim Hills, Yorba Linda, Irvine and Newport Beach. Ages range from young adults to senior citizens.
Temple Beth Sholom has a Religious School beginning in kindergarten until tenth grade, a Hebrew School from third to seventh grades, and an Adult Education curriculum.
The Jewish Preschool at Temple Beth Sholom re-opened in July 2004.
Temple Beth Sholom has a Sisterhood, Brotherhood, Chavurah Program, and age appropriate youth groups.
Other Programs
Other programs "Camp Sholom" our Summer day camp, outreach activities, a Jewish film series and a variety of innovative services.
Dues Structure
Flexible - to accommodate all member situations. Contact Susie Amster, Executive Director at (714) 628-4600.
