Congregation B’nai Tikvah

Today is the day after Yom Kippur. I’ve been attending services here with my brother and his family for quite a few years. The services are both contemporary, yet traditional too. Cantor Chabon has a gift of not only a beautiful voice, but but her whole persona draws you into your Jewish soul, and literally makes that feeling of praying to G-​d very warm and enriching. Rabbi Gutterman is new. It can be difficult to follow a Rabbi like Rabbi Asher, yet her warmthness and caring shine through. Both the Rabbi and Cantor seemed to be so perfectly matched to guide the congregation through a thoughtful and meaningful High Holiday service.
When you leave a service and feel good inside, or find yourself thinking later about the Rabbi and Cantors’ sermons and how the words touched you personally, it’s what prayer, and reflection is all about. Feeling G-d’s presence in your heart!

I’ve been a member longer than Moses walked the desert. The 300 families are a wonderful mix — young professionals, new families with tots and toddlers, ancient Jews like myself, and especially families with kids soon to be bar mitzvahs. The cantor is a star; her bright light and beauty send a glow and a smile across the entire congregation. And the new rabbi is a thoughtful, empathetic bundle of energy and ideas. There’s always something to do.

Lana is right about the setting at CBT. It is peaceful and understated with a beautiful big tree that you glimpse from the pews and that shades the sweet little outdoor amphitheater. Though more importantly to me, it is a welcoming community of friendly and down to earth people. Our family has made many good friends at CBT over the years.
When we were «temple shopping» the friendly manner and helpfulness we encountered from the front office was an immediate plus. Adding to that, the Cantor has a beautiful voice, the Religious School Director is full of positive energy and the Rabbi always greets you with a smile (and usually by name). Though we have friends at several local synagogues, CBT feels like home to us.

In addition to wedding planning (my company is Miracle Events in San Francisco), I also design unique chuppahs. B’nai Tikvah is such a wonderful congregation and such a beautiful setting. I’ve had the great joy of planning weddings in this lovely venue. I find it so inspiring.