History of Beth Am

Congregation Beth Am has been a part of the San Antonio Jewish community for decades. Read the essay below, written by founding member Char Miller, originally published in Sh'ma in 1991.

What is Reconstructionist Judaism?

Reconstructionist Judaism — our affiliation is with Reconstructing Judaism — is a progressive, contemporary approach to Jewish life which integrates a deep respect for traditional Judaism with insights and ideas of contemporary social, intellectual, and spiritual life.

Membership

Congregation Beth Am is an inclusive congregation. We value all members, and recognize that we are all made b'tzelem Elohim — in the image of God. We welcome into our community singles, families, non-Jewish partners, the military, and those new to the community.

Are you a potential leader?

If you'd like to help run the congregation, there are roles you can fulfill: read Torah, Haftarah (in English or Hebrew), or deliver a D'var Torah. Contact Gary Kurzban if you would like to participate.

Our Veggie-Dairy Policy

Beth Am maintains a veggie-dairy (ovo-lacto vegetarian) menu at all events. By keeping to this standard, we are able to ensure most aspects of kashrut and make all members feel welcome. When Beth Am began, we had several vegetarian members and wanted to make all feel welcome. Some people find it easier and less expensive to keep kosher when they need only one set of dishes, silverware, and cookware. Fish (but NO shellfish) is permitted with dairy meals — you'll find salmon, lox, tuna salad, and herring at our kiddush table.

Where we differ from Orthodox practice

Our practice differs from Orthodox kashrut in three areas:

1. We accept all cheeses, with or without kosher certification.
2. We accept foods that contain modest amounts of gelatin (which comes from animals), such as certain candies.
3. We accept as kosher all grape juice, rather than requiring kosher certification.

For those who keep strict kashrut, we will attempt to respect your needs.

Hear from members of our community about what Beth Am means to them.

I relocated to the San Antonio area from Southern California in 2006 and yearned to find a Jewish community that I could join, feel a part of, and be active in. As my husband is not Jewish, this was a search I did on my own and only for myself. I visited a couple of congregations at first but did not click with them, and then I found Congregation Beth Am. From my first email communication to one of their members, I felt someone really cared! I went to a Saturday morning Shabbat service and was welcomed with open arms, friendly faces, great conversations, and a real feeling of Yiddishkeit. I have been a member of Congregation Beth Am for several years now, serve on the Board of Directors, provide kiddush, read Haftarah, and feel I have found a home away from home that fills my soul with much joy and contentment. Thank you so much Congregation Beth Am for the wonderful community you have developed and for all you have done for me and the other members of our congregation.

From Downtown

Take IH-10 West and exit at Crossroads Blvd (last exit before I-410). Stay on the access road past Crossroads Blvd, past the gas station and motel. Head up the hill. The synagogue is at the top of the hill on the right.

From the Northwest

Take IH-10 East toward downtown and exit at Crossroads (immediately after the I-410 ramp). Stay on the access road to Crossroads Blvd. Take the turnaround and head up the hill on the outbound service road. The synagogue is at the top of the hill on the right.

Westbound on Loop 410

Exit at Fredericksburg Rd (as you go under I-10, immediately after the I-10 exit). Take the first turnaround (at Fredericksburg) after exiting. Move to the right-hand lanes, follow the service road around to the right to the light at Crossroads Blvd. Take the turnaround under I-10 and head up the westbound I-10 service road. The synagogue is at the top of the hill on the right.

Rabbinic Support

Armin Langer is our Visiting Rabbi. Please see the Bulletin for details of his upcoming adult-education Zoom-visits.

Kabbalat Shabbat — Friday Evening

Kabbalat Shabbat (Welcoming the Sabbath) services are held on the first Friday of most months, from 6:30–7:15 pm.

Shacharit — Saturday Morning

On almost all Saturday mornings, we hold a Zoom-based Shacharit service from 10:00 am–noon. Please contact the congregation to receive a Zoom invite.

Health & Safety Policy

Beth Am's attendance policies follow current CDC guidance, with an emphasis on individual choice. Members experiencing cough, cold, or respiratory symptoms within the previous five days — or who have tested positive for COVID or flu — are asked to attend via Zoom only. Known allergies are excepted. The congregation reserves the right to return to Zoom-only services as conditions require.

Kiddush

Challah and wine are available after services. Other foods may also be available. In keeping with our veggie-dairy policy, all foods are ovo-lacto vegetarian (fish permitted).

It is Congregation Beth Am's hope that our members will participate — to whatever extent they are comfortable — in our weekly services. Below are the various areas where members can be involved. Click to read and download any of the guides.

Service Roles

If you are interested in assisting with any of these roles, please let a board member know and we will help you get started.

Be an Ambassador for Beth Am

In a small congregation like ours, each congregant has a special role to play as a membership ambassador. We rely on the gregariousness of our members — as you come in contact with other Jews and persons interested in Judaism — to share what makes our congregation unique.

While a lay-led participatory congregation is not right for everyone, many Jews seek the intimacy of a congregation like Beth Am and the ability to experience Judaism so personally and directly.

Our monthly bulletin keeps the congregation informed about upcoming services, events, and community news. Download the latest editions below.

Current Month

Adult Hebrew Class

Upon request, Marion Bernstein periodically teaches an adult Hebrew class. Hour-long lessons are held on the fourth Saturday of each month after Kiddush (12:30 pm). Starting with the alef-bet, the class progresses to simple words found in the siddur (prayer book).

There is no charge. To register, email Marion at hlb@texas.net.

Monthly Adult Education Shiur

We hold a monthly adult education shiur with our rabbi, Armin Langer. These are generally held in conjunction with Friday evening and Saturday morning services. See the Bulletin for dates and topics.

Special Study Sessions

Night study and havdalah sessions are conducted in conjunction with Simchat Torah, Purim, and Shavuot, and periodically on weekends as part of our visiting rabbi schedule.

D'var Torah

During Shabbat morning services, a brief D'var Torah is presented by a member of the congregation, focused on the weekly Parasha. This is a central part of our lay-led model and one of the most meaningful ways members engage with Torah study.

Tzedakah Initiative

Beth Am's Tzedakah Committee receives suggestions for non-profit agencies to receive our annual gift of tzedakah. Past recipients have included:

• The L'Chaim Center in Houston
• San Antonio Food Bank
• Jewish Family Services
• Hebrew Free Loan of San Antonio
• Mazon

In response to the events of October 2023, the congregation made a substantial donation to the San Antonio Jewish Community's Israel Emergency Crisis Campaign.

Rabbinic Support

Rabbi Armin Langer makes frequent Zoom-visits with a focus on adult education. See the Bulletin for upcoming dates.

Officers & Board (2025–2026)

Beth Am is proud to be part of a rich and active Jewish community in San Antonio.