As we near our 80th anniversary, we honor those who built this community—and embrace the future with open hearts, ready to welcome new voices into our shared journey. Temple Beth Hillel families celebrate vibrant Jewish life in West Contra Costa. Guided by Torah’s evolving wisdom, we uphold the pillars of tradition—lifelong learning, heartfelt prayer, repairing the world, and social justice. Embracing diversity and warmth, we create inclusive experiences where every voice matters.
Temple Beth Hillel is a welcoming community that embraces diversity and celebrates Jewish life with joy and connection. We believe in fostering a strong sense of belonging across generations, with inclusive gatherings for Shabbat, holidays, and festivals. We offer vibrant religious, educational, and social programming—including our thriving Sunday school, Beit Midrash Hillel, for children from kindergarten through post–B’nai Mitzvah.
Whether you’re single, married, interfaith, LGBTQ+, a Jew by birth or by choice, you’re fully welcome here. United by a mission to sustain Jewish life in West Contra Costa County, our members actively support social justice and community initiatives like:
• GRIP Souper Center in Richmond
• Food For Thought, feeding 700+ families during winter break
• Ongoing drives for the Food Bank and Rubicon Programs
| I believe synagogue membership is the link that connects me to our Jewish past and future… It is being part of a community with a shared Jewish history. It is being part of a community that actively works to Tikkun Olam, to repair the world…This is the first time I have been accepted into a Jewish community this quickly and completely. It is the first time I have had the opportunity and the desire to contribute. Temple Beth Hillel is our Jewish home.
— Michael C. |
If our community spirit resonates with you, please consider joining us!
Our History
Our synagogue originated during World War II when Richmond’s Jewish community formed a “RAIM club” short for “chavaraim”, meaning “friends.” In 1945, the articles of incorporation for the new Richmond Jewish Community Center were drawn up, and a year later Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services were first held. In 1952 our first Rabbi joined us.
In 1959, the Richmond Jewish Community Center became Temple Beth Hillel and we joined the Union of American Hebrew Congregations. In 1960, the founders purchased the 5.1-acre property upon which Temple Beth Hillel now stands. The building was completed, dedicated, and the first service was held here in 1964.
In 1968 Temple Beth Hillel joined with Temple Beth El of Berkeley to create Tel Shalom cemetery within nearby Rolling Hills Cemetery. We have had a number of rabbis and cantors serve us since 1952, each one bringing their own unique spirit and skills to our community. While we are a Reform congregation affiliated with URJ (Union for Reform Judaism), rabbis from other movements, including Conservative and Reconstructionist have served at Temple Beth Hillel.
