Expansion of our Mission Statement:

We strive to create a warm, vibrant and inclusive Reform Jewish community in which members feel strongly connected to Beth Am and participate actively in the life of the congregation. We commit ourselves to caring for one another in visible and concrete ways: welcoming strangers, celebrating with each other at times of joy and supporting each other through times of sadness. We share a commitment to acts of social justice and the prophetic values of our Reform tradition. We govern ourselves through a democratic and participatory leadership structure characterized by clear communication, open dialogue, mutual respect and thoughtful deliberation. Our congregation is served by outstanding lay and professional leaders who work in dynamic partnership to realize our mission.

Warm, Vibrant and Inclusive

• Beth Am is regarded, by members and non-members alike, as "a friendly congregation."
• Congregants participate in Beth Am activities in order to be with friends and make new friends
• Congregational communications clearly articulate the Jewish values of kavod (respect for each individual), hachnasat orchim (hospitality) and rachamim (compassionate concern)
• We reach out continuously to offer the benefits of Beth Am membership to those who are new to our community or have not yet affiliated
• New members are warmly welcomed into the congregation and quickly connected to a smaller group for learning, worship, social opportunities or support
• Beth Am provides a comfortable environment for those who did not grow up as Reform Jews as well as those who were raised in the Reform movement
• The congregation offers a warm welcome to interfaith couples and supports them in making Jewish choices for their families
• The congregation actively welcomes Jewish singles and single parents and offers them opportunities for social interaction, Jewish learning and spiritual growth
• The congregation honors and welcomes Jewish families in all their diversity, including gay and lesbian couples with or without children

Active Participation of Members

• Every congregant feels connected to the Beth Am community, and is involved in some aspect of congregational life.
• Our data base includes information on members' skills and interests
• We have a vibrant chavurah program, in which ongoing chavurot remain strong and are actively linked to the congregation, and new chavurot are continuously formed, offering our members friendship, support and the enrichment of their Jewish lives
• Our affiliate groups (Beth Am Women, Yachad, Young Families, BATY, BAJY and Bay Kids) thrive, continuously reaching out to new members and offering a variety of social, community service and informal educational activities.
• Our members regularly create small, informal groups that bring together those with shared interests
• Our youth education programs are structured to help develop ties of friendship and support among our children and youth
• Beth Am members participate actively in the national and regional work of the Reform Movement (UAHC) and other Jewish organizations

Commitment to Social Justice

• All congregants are involved in short-term or ongoing acts of tzedaka (righteous giving), gemilut chasadim (lovingkindness) and tikkun olam (repairing the world)
• Intergenerational social action/community service projects help congregants of all ages to connect with one another and with core Jewish values
• Beth Am is a leader in pursuing social justice work in the larger community, both Jewish and interfaith

Communal Support and Pastoral Guidance

• Members of all ages receive pastoral guidance at times of joy and sorrow
• The Beth Am community offers practical support and assistance to those who are facing illness, death, divorce, family stress or the birth of a baby
• Members, as well as the clergy, visit the sick and lead shiva minyanim for mourners
• A variety of small groups offer emotional and spiritual support to members facing illness, bereavement, caregiving, parenting issues and other challenges throughout the life cycle

Democratic and Participatory Leadership Structure

• Board members, committee chairs and professional staff actively seek input from the membership, and are readily accessible and responsive to members' concerns
• Information is communicated to the congregation in a timely manner, through a variety of media that are clear, accessible and attractive
• Volunteers receive support, supervision and recognition for their service to the congregation
• A variety of rewarding leadership opportunities are available to members who have the appropriate skills, interest and commitment
• New leaders are effectively cultivated, recruited, trained and oriented
• Board service is perceived as an honor and a pleasure
• There is a large pool of talented, qualified and interested members who are potential Board members
• Congregational discussion and debate takes place in an atmosphere of civility, thoughtfulness and mutual respect

Lay-Professional Partnership

• The congregation recruits outstanding professional staff and offers them appropriate support, guidance, resources and compensation
• Lay and professional leaders communicate regularly and openly, develop shared goals and visions, and work effectively together to realize them
• The congregation's lay leaders demonstrate their commitment to worship, learning and active participation in the life of the congregation