Separate but equal

Amy R. Spurgeon

While hiding out during the Holocaust 50 years ago, Newport Beach

resident Felix Van Beek prayed to God that his life should be spared. Van

Beek then made a promise to God that if he survived he would create a new

Jewish synagogue. Today, Temple Isaiah of Newport Beach reflects that

promise.

The small conservative congregation of 110 members is led by Rabbi David

Rosenberg, 47, of Costa Mesa, and meets regularly at the Harbor Christian

Church facility on Irvine Avenue.

Across the bay in Newport Beach sits Temple Bat Yahm -- the largest

Jewish congregation in Orange County. The massive reform congregation led

by Rabbi Mark S. Miller, 52, is currently fund-raising for the temple’s

$5 million expansion project set to break ground in 2000.

Together, these two spiritual institutions serve the Newport-Mesa Jewish

community, offering prayer, tradition, culture, music, education and a

close relationship with their rabbi -- an important criteria for many

Jewish people.

The three main branches of Judaism are Orthodox, Conservative and Reform.

According to Rosenberg, Orthodox Jews believe all the information from

the Torah, the Jewish book of law, is a gift from God and must be

followed. Conservative Jews believe the information is inspired by God

and that humans have a certain amount of autonomy to interpret that

information. And Reform Jews believe that many of the laws in the Torah

are out of sync with the times, that the laws are tied to a more

primitive world.”We are very comfortable in a strong traditional idea of

Judaism, but don’t subscribe to the rigidity of the Orthodoxy,” Rosenberg

said.

Both temples incorporate traditional Jewish rituals into religious

services and holidays. For example, during services at both synagogues

male congregants wear the kippa, or head covering, which is a small

circular cap that one places on their head when entering the synagogue.

The kippa serves as a reminder that man is not at the very top, that

there is something above him.

Other Jewish traditions include food. At an Orthodox temple food served

or prepared on-site would have to be done so according to Kosher laws.

Kosher laws, or keeping Kosher, means that a person follows the Rabbinic

ordinances regarding dietary laws. There are 20 major Kosher laws, some

of which include not eating milk and meat together, only eating fish that

have scales and during the preparation of meals, only using plates that

serve kosher foods. These laws regarding food were established in early

Rabbinic times. Temple Isaiah does keep Kosher, whereas Temple Bat Yahm

does not. However, many Temple Bat Yahm congregants do keep Kosher and

the temple will accommodate those wishing to eat or prepare Kosher meals.

Another major aspect of Jewish tradition practiced at both temples is the

type of language used during services. Conservative congregations, like

Temple Isaiah, read in English and Hebrew. Temple Bat Yahm also uses

Hebrew and English during services.

“There is a balance at Temple Bat Yahm,” said Sally Spiro, administrative

assistant to Miller. “Services are very comfortable for classic Reform

Jewish people and those with a Conservative background.”

Music plays an important role at both Temples. Orthodox Jews do not allow

the use of musical instruments or audio equipment in the sanctuary

because it is a reminder that the Jewish people do not yet have their

holy temple in Jerusalem. The original Temple was burned down by the

Romans in 72 A.D.., Rosenberg said. Temple Isaiah does use musical

instruments occasionally, but not as a rule. Temple Bat Yahm uses musical

instruments such as pianos or violins during services. Again, the freedom

of choice is a major component of the Reform movement, Spiro said.

Both Temples have cantors, the chief singer who serves as the

representative of the congregation to God. Temple Bat Yahm’s cantor is

ordained.

Temple Bat Yahm also has a 25-member adult choir that performs at

festival observances and a junior choir.

The size in membership at both temples varies greatly. Temple Bat Yahm

serves more than 670 families while Temple Isaiah serves 110 members. But some people prefer the intimacy granted at Temple Isaiah.

“The best part about Temple Isaiah is the intimacy,” said 76-year-old

member Melvin Beitscher of Newport Beach. “It is more of a family

situation.”

Membership fees at both temples are based on the financial capability of

a congregant. The set dues are up to $720 per year at Temple Isaiah and

$1150 per year at Temple Bat Yahm.

Both temples privately negotiate membership fees and no one is ever

denied membership because of finances. Temple Bat Yahm also offers

scholarships for those wishing to attend educational programs.

Besides religious services, both temples offer religious school and adult

education programs. Temple Bat Yahm’s preschool was the first in Orange

County to be accredited by the National Association for the Education of

Young Children.

Looking to the future, Temple Isaiah hopes to acquire its own sanctuary

one day. Van Beek is pleased with Isaiah, but said things can always be

improved.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the Back Bay Temple Bat Yahm congregants

are working feverishly to acquire funds needed for its campus expansion.

New additions will include eight classrooms, a small chapel, outside

amphitheater and meditation gardens. The temple has raised more than $2.5

million.

The philosophy of both temples is to strengthen individuals, spiritually

and educationally.”We hope to strengthen them and they strengthen us,”

Miller said of the role of a synagogue. “We hope to become partners in a

large enterprise called Jewish continuity, or the perpetuating of Judaism

from one generation to the next.”Currently, there are 75,000 Jewish

people living in Orange County.