Congregation Etz Chayim

Our new rabbi, Chaim Koritzinsky, is wonderful! We’ve had very smooth transition from our retired rabbi emeritus, Ari Cartun, who has been with us for 19 years. Our congregation has become even stronger and closer through the process.
I’ve been a member of Etz almost since its beginning and I LOVE it! Etz is my 2^nd home. We’re a real community: together we have fun, we learn, we question, we celebrate, we mourn, we support each other during illnesses and new parenting, we explore.
As an unaffiliated congregation, we can make conscious choices about our liturgy and practices. We’ve written our own siddur (prayerbook) which includes Hebrew, transliteration and English, as well as alternative readings and commentary, to make it accessible to as many people as possible. Our services are full of singing with people breaking into their own harmonies.
We have excellent youth education programs and interesting adult education and social activities. Those who attend a service led by a bar/​t mitzvah student come away extremely impressed, particularly by the discussion that the student leads about an aspect of the Torah reading.
Come check us out! We’d love to welcome you.

Etz is a wonderful, small, non-​denominational congregation. I have been member for over 15 years. Our new rabbi, Chaim Koritzinsky, now adds his wonderful spirituality, compassion, and knowledge.
Because it is smaller, you can easily find people to connect with, helped by our wonderful Executive Director, Ellen Bob. There are lots of opportunities to engage for all different types of observance and community — men’s and women’s groups and retreats, alternative services for those who like to sing and have fun (fifth Fridays) or those who want to slow down and be contemplative (fourth Saturdays), mitzvah singers, a meditation group, wonderful children’s program, and opportunities to join our special interest groups (hiking, handworkers, dancers, singers, feeding the homeless, and Torah study for native Hebrew speakers, just to name a few).

I really enjoy the 5^th Friday services, which happen whenever there are five Fridays in a month; all the service «parts» are addressed through song, e.g., Beatles, 60’s, Motown, musicals, etc. I like the warmth and welcoming way of our new rabbi Chaim Koritzinsky. Etz Chayim is a friendly place where it’s easy to get involved (or not if you don’t want to). Torah study on Saturday mornings is an engaging discussion. Holiday celebrations are a lot of fun.

It took us forever to find Etz because it’s unaffiliated so not listed in many of the typical resources. That’s ok because it’s really not a typical synagogue. I grew up in a lay-​lead congregation, so it’s important to me to see so many of the congregants participating. There really is a place for everyone and the education program really helps create a community atmosphere.

I went to a FABULOLUS Bat Mitzvah there last Saturday. The girl really knew her stuff and the singing was great. Place was packed, too.

Literally changed our lives from a Jewish family in theory to a Jewish family in practice. The kids enjoyed the school, the Bar Mitzvah preparation was meaningful, and my kids stayed involved with the synagogue long after they became Bar Mitzvah through various opportunities that were provided. Finally, the synagogue has grown with my needs as my children get older and prepare to leave home and I look for new relevant activities, such as adult education and women’s community. Can’t imagine a better place.

In past years, I attended High Holy services at Stanford Hillel where Rabbi Ari Cartun officiated; he was always so inspiring, and his sermons were not only brilliantly crafted but inspired me to be a better person throughout the year. Then in 2003 as a newly divorced single woman, I had the freedom to join Etz Chayim, and that decision was one of the best decisions I ever made. I love singing with Ari on our fifth Friday night shabbats when we adapt our prayers to the music of The Beatles or Bob Dylan (just to name a few musical celebrities) and I love Ari’s guitar playing. Most importantly, I always felt so very welcome at Etz and have had so many fun experiences. Rabbi Cartun has been there for me through some of the most difficult moments in my life. I am blessed to be a member.

Just returned from Israel having spent the last two weeks on tour with about 40 members of Etz Chayim, led by Rabbi Cartun and an exceptional tour director. The experience was phenomenal. This congregation is quite special — open to all, allowing one to practice Judaism as each individual feels comfortable and making all who walk through its doors feel acceptance. If you are looking for a small, initmate, innovative congreagation, Etz Chayim is something you should definitely check out.

We have very much enjoyed being a part of the Etz Chayim family. If you’re looking for a warm, friendly congregation, this is it. There’s a great, active women’s group and the Executive Director, Ellen Bob, is wonderful. We’ve met many wonderful families through our participation in the community. Come check it out!

Etz Chayim has been a place where our family can be lifelong learners about Jewish customs, spirituality, and thought. It is a place where you always learn something new. It is a diverse congregation that allows you to build lasting friendships and community.

Lots of activities for young and old. I particularly like that everyone sings along with a book that is easy for all to read (english, hebrew and transliteration side-​by-​side-​by-​side). I also like the variety of people and simple, yet intelligent explanations of why things are done the way they are.

A wonderful community with lots of singing at services and a prayer book that is user friendly with transliteration along with the Hebrew and English. The atmosphere is warm and inclusive. People are encouraged to participate and share their interests with the congregation. Life long learning is fostered through programs for all ages. Special interest activities abound including hiking, book groups, a movie club, hand workers, social action projects and a program for tots in addition to religious school. I am so happy that I found this synagogue!

Warm inclusive synagogue with great rabbi! My favorite are their fifth Fridays when they focus on singing ie Beatles Shabbat, Grateful Dead Shabbat, etc. Very fun!

Warm, welcoming, spiritual. Lot’s of joy and singing. The 5^th Friday services are a unique experience!

Is it sacreligious to review a synogogue? This place feels like home to me.