I've been a member of Temple Ner Tamid of Downey for more than 15 years, and I'm very proud of its welcoming and warm, worship-centered culture. The just passed High Holy Day services, complemented by our professional choir, provided a wonderfully rich spiritual experience for the full house of congregants.
Rabbi Daniel Mehlman and Cantor Kenneth Jaffe are talented spiritual leaders and teachers who energize the congregation and set the inclusive tone for both born Jews and Jews by choice. The services are filled with moving music, accompanied by organist Norberto Guinaldo and Cantor Ken's guitar.
Twice a month on Saturdays, Rabbi Dany offers shabbat teaching services in Spanish. He recently started a Spanish-language conversion class, and the temple offers English Introduction to Judaism classes every year.
The temple's secular (I am currently an at-large trustee) and clergy leadership are very successful in providing worship, learning and life-cycle celebrations and commemorations in the Reform Jewish tradition, for both long-term members and our newer congregants. It is a friendly space for families with children and grandkids, as well as couples and singles of all ages. It is also a very safe, gay-welcoming place!
Temple Ner Tamid of Downey is ideally located to serve the 605/105 corridors, although some regular congregants come from Inglewood, Long Beach, Seal Beach and even Lancaster!
Congregants drive food donations and other social justice activities. Barbecues, International Dinners, Sundae Socials, Movie nights and other activities organized by the temple, and its affiliated Sisterhood and Brotherhood groups, bring congregants together. The havurot program provides opportunities for exploring Jewish-themed exhibits and other activities around L.A. County.
The temple has a very active fundraising program, which includes the rental of its beautiful, carpeted social hall and classrooms for church services, quinceaneras and other celebrations and learning events. We also have a Judaica shop with uniquely beautiful items for all your holiday and gift-giving needs. The Chanukah boutiques are being planned now!
If you wish to visit, come join us for Friday night services at 7:30 p.m., or stop by the temple office any weekday morning. For more information in English or Spanish, you can call the temple at 562-861-9276, or me, Cheryl Brownstein-Santiago, at 562-279-3839. You can also visit the temple website: www.DowneyTempleNerTamid.org. read more