What makes Beth Tikvah special? 
There are many reasons why Congregation Beth Tikvah is so special. Jewish traditions are celebrated in a family-like atmosphere in our progressive Conservative synagogue. 200 families in our community means most are on a first name basis with one another. Simchas (special events in congregants' lives) are given individual importance, but shared with the Congregation Beth Tikvah family. For example, each child becomes a Bar/Bat Mitzvah (an adult in the eyes of the Jewish community) on his/her own special day amidst the loving support of the congregation.
There are many reasons why Congregation Beth Tikvah is so special. Jewish traditions are celebrated in a family-like atmosphere in our progressive Conservative synagogue. 200 families in our community means most are on a first name basis with one another. Simchas (special events in congregants' lives) are given individual importance, but shared with the Congregation Beth Tikvah family. For example, each child becomes a Bar/Bat Mitzvah (an adult in the eyes of the Jewish community) on his/her own special day amidst the loving support of the congregation.
We are committed to making our tradition accessible to all who participate in our growing community in Marlton. Accommodations are made for both young and old alike. Affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, Congregation Beth Tikvah is fully committed to the total equality of men and women in all areas of Judaism. Worth mentioning is our Interfaith Family and Friends Group whose purpose is to make those of interfaith marriage feel welcome here. All types of individuals and families wishing to participate in Conservative Judaism are warmly received at Congregation Beth Tikvah. The choice about which synagogue to join is not an easy one, but it is immediately apparent how warm and approachable the congregants, staff, and clergy are at Congregation Beth Tikvah.
In this world where everything is always changing, there is continuity at CBT. We've had the same rabbi and cantor for decades. Our current president and former presidents have been active members for just as long.
For a small synagogue, we have one eye on a variety of activities for our members and another on involvement in the greater Jewish community.
- For adults, our programs like JPOP (Jewish Perspective on Politics), social action, book club, Rabbi's breakfast, and more engage us in stimulating conversation and, often, action.
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For seniors, lots of opportunities to get involved with people who value life experience! Age is no barrier; seniors are amongst of our leaders! Connections with one another are made quite easily. Everyone knows your name here. The Mature Adult Club (MAC) is one of the most popular clubs.
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For Hebrew Schoolers, we offer small class sizes with individualized attention. There is one class per grade, from Gan through Hebrew School. We have achieved the Framework for Excellence designation awarded by the United Synagogue
of Conservative Judaism. A large number of our high school graduates go on to Midrasha, the community High School program for juniors and seniors.
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For our B'nai Mitzvah, we offer an experience that is unparalleled. The day promises to make the child shine. The Bar/Bat Mitzvah's participation is customized to match his/her abilities; Aliyot are for family and friends of the B'nai Mitzvah; parents help choose dates and may reflect on the accomplishments of their child(ren). We are sensitive to the desire for members of interfaith households to participate in the ceremony in appropriate ways.
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For our teens, we offer Kadima and USY youth groups. We have an award-winning USY that attracts almost full participation from our Hebrew School. USY members plan mitzvah projects and social events, attend conventions, have Shabbat dinners and services throughout the year.
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For those students who continue through Confirmation, we offer classes with meaningful content and a trip to Israel with our Rabbi.
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For those who choose to spend the High Holidays with family, feel free to sit with your children and extended family. There is room for everyone and no assigned seating! Perhaps your children might want to attend their own age-appropriate services or discussion groups. Aliyot and Torah Readings are offered to new and veteran members, throughout the year, including High Holidays.
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For those who prize sociability, we have strong and active Sisterhood and Men's Club organizations.
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For the musically-inclined, we offer musical opportunities under the direction of Brian Baker and the Band.
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For those seeking intellectual stimulation, we have a variety of programs, including speakers, an active book group, and Torah discussion group. We are comfortable questioning our tradition as well as learning about it, and recognize that congregants may come to Judaism from different perspectives.
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For those who want to help guide the direction of CBT, there are opportunities to join a range of committees as well as the Board. CBT is remarkably free of cliquishness, and welcomes those who want to participate in managing the congregation.