By Karen Dorfman
Nestled in the evergreens and the warm embrace of the Colorado Rocky Mountains lies Congregation Beth Evergreen.
Founded in 1974, Beth Evergreen began as a small chavurah, consisting of five or six families who met in peoples homes to conduct Shabbat services.
When it began to overflow the living rooms of its members, it moved to Greystone Castle on Upper Bear Creek Road. From here, it moved to a shared space in the Evergreen Methodist Church.
It then built its own facility, which opened in 2003.
After 31 years as an unaffiliated congregation, Beth Evergreen made the decision to affiliate with the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation in June, 2005.
Beth Evergreen offers a broad range of egalitarian style services, ranging from traditional davening to meditation, music, childrens and kabbalat Shabbat services.
One Shabbat service is held every weekend, alternating between Friday night and Saturday morning.
The first Friday of the month consists of a tot Shabbat at 6 p.m. and a 7:30 service. The third Friday of the month consists of a meditation at 7 p.m. and a service at 7:30.
On the second and fourth Saturday of the month, Shabbat services are held at 10 a.m.
Beth Evergreens Rabbi Benjamin Jamie Arnold came to Beth Evergreen as its first full time rabbi in 2005.
He was ordained at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in 1999.
Originally from New York, he served at Temple Sinai in Amherst, NY, 1999-2005.
He is also the convenor of the local Evergreen Interfaith Group and is vice president of AT HOME, an affordable housing initiative, and The Interfaith Alliance of Colorado.
Now consisting of 200 families, Beth Evergreen is a blooming Jewish community.
We are a young, growing, thriving congregation, says Neshama Mousseau, executive director.
Other synagogue events include adult education, lifecycle events, a musar study group for adults (a study of Jewish morality and ethics) and Torah study.
Beth Evergreen even has two softball teams to help keep members in the community active.
Beth Israels religious school has more than 125 students, ranging from pre-kindergarten to Hebrew High.
Congregation Beth Evergreen is a youthful, energetic, creative and open congregation. Our membership is active and participatory with strong lay leadership, says Mousseau.
