Membership
Welcome from TBA President Heather Luxenberg
I am thrilled that you are interested in learning more about Temple Beth Ami (TBA), a truly special place. At TBA, we connect with each other in many meaningful ways: spiritually, educationally, and socially. We are a community that welcomes each other into our homes and our hearts, engages in study and play, and enjoys continuing the traditions of our faith.
Since our Temple was founded in 1971, we have practiced the ideals of L’Dor V’Dor…from generation to generation. We have a robust preschool and summer camp program, a thriving religious school for our students in pre-K through 12th grade, multiple study groups on a variety of topics, and kehillah groups to meet the needs of all adults in our Temple. There is truly something for everyone at TBA.
I’ve had the joy of raising my family in this community. During my time here at TBA, I have had the opportunity to partake in all that TBA has to offer: Tot Shabbat services, family services, Moms of Machane outings, Challah Bakes, Purim Basket delivery program, Mah Jong nights with WTBA, Trivia night with the Brotherhood, Picnic Shabbats with the Shabbatones, Intergenerational Seders, College Age Parents Happy Hours, and so much more. There is never a dull moment happening here. I hope you will take a look at our monthly calendar to learn about what is currently happening at TBA.
Among TBA’s most important assets are our Clergy and Staff. Don’t take my word for it. Please join us for worship, attend a program, or join us for a Live and Learn. I feel certain that you will find a warm and welcoming community to explore your own relationship with Judaism. At TBA, we work towards making our community a place where everyone feels a sense of community and belonging. Our schools and our community welcome people of all religions, gender identities, and ability levels.
Come see for yourself what a special place TBA is. I encourage you to schedule an appointment with our Executive Director, Debbie Ezrin at dezrin@bethami.org. She will be able to answer specific questions about our membership and share more about what makes TBA so unique. I am also available to answer any questions at TBAPresident@bethami.org.
On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff, I invite you to explore all that TBA has to offer. I am confident you will find it to be a truly special place, and I look forward to welcoming you as a new member of our TBA community.
Welcome from Executive Director Debbie Ezrin
Welcome! Thank you for taking the time to learn more about membership at Temple Beth Ami — a vibrant, inclusive, and innovative community that embraces the beauty, meaning, and inspiration of Reform Judaism.
With nearly 750 member families, our congregation is wonderfully diverse. We are spiritually traditional, non-traditional, and everything in between. Nearly 100 children attend our preschool, Gan Ami, and 550+ students in Pre-K through 12th grade participate in Machane TBA, our religious school. Adults of all ages engage in a rich array of spiritual, educational, and social programs that help create deep and lasting connections.
I’m often asked about the benefits of membership at TBA. Tangible benefits include High Holy Day tickets; the ability to enroll your children in Machane TBA and celebrate their B’nei Mitzvah; clergy support for pastoral care and life cycle events; and the opportunity to participate fully in congregational life — including our programs, committees, and voting on important matters that shape our future.
But more than anything, I believe the most meaningful benefit is the sense of belonging that comes from being part of a sacred community — a kehillah kedoshah. My goal is to help every member become as enriched by their affiliation as I have been since my own family joined in 2005. My children became B’nei Mitzvah and confirmands at TBA, and today they carry a strong sense of Jewish identity. My husband and I have been spiritually nourished and have made lifelong friendships through TBA. These experiences are what led me to serve as Executive Director since 2019, and it’s my deepest aspiration to help each member find the same enrichment and connection.
In today’s world, when antisemitism is on the rise, choosing to affiliate with a synagogue is also an act of strength and solidarity. Your connection to TBA helps sustain the Jewish community locally and globally, and sends a powerful message about the values we share and the future we are building together.
Our community is only as strong as its members. I would be honored to speak with you further about how you can find your place at TBA. Please feel free to reach out to me at dezrin@bethami.org or 301-340-6818.