Temple Beth Tikvah Early Childhood Learning Cente

We are writing this review as prospective members who did not join after our experience. We went with a couple friends to the Purim Shpiel last Friday in hopes to find a Jewish community to be a part of. We RSVPed online to the Purim Shpiel and gave a recommended donation because dinner was going to be served, $18 per person. Based on the reviews, website, and general Jewish principles, we were anticipating a warm and welcoming environment. When we came in, we weren’t really greeted, but the play was about to start so we figured we would watch the play and then probably mingle with people afterwards. We were disappointed that the flyers did not specify that their Purim spiel was a children’s play but that’s OK because we figured it was good to see the children’s programs here. After the play, it was announced that there would be DOMINOS PIZZA (the $5 box that was cut into micro slices) for dinner and then Shabbat services to follow. Considering that the group of us paid over $70 we were expecting a bit more for the dinner that was advertised especially considering the website encouraged the $18 per person when RSVPing. Rabbi Mati was standing near us in the pizza line and said “nice crown” to which one of our group replied back “thanks you have a nice crown too”. As a community leader, we were very surprised that he did not try to engage more with us by asking if we liked the play, if we were new here, or even just wishing us a Shabbat shalom. Later on, we saw him going to different tables so we figured he would eventually come to ours, which he did not. We found a table that had some belongings on it, but there was enough space for the four of us so we sat down. A woman named Lulu approached the table and introduced herself as the Sunday school teacher. We told her that we were new here and it is our first time. When the conversation ended she picked up some of her belongings and went outside to where her friends followed her. This gave us the impression that they were uncomfortable with us sitting at their table or that they were not interested in talking with us. What really surprised us was as a staff of the synagogue, we figured that she would at least go to the Rabbi or another staff member to let them know that there are four prospective new members here. Unfortunately, no one else came to speak with us. We stayed for approximately an hour and a half total and did not want to wait for Shabbat services because at that point we did not feel like this was a good fit. We post this review not to speak negatively, but for the purpose of informing you what our experience was. This is not our first time going to a Jewish establishment, but this was our first time ever experiencing this type of behavior at a Jewish establishment.

Excellent adult education classes, spiritual Shabbat services, unique experiential religious school, and many options for families with children of all ages--especially young children. The Early Childhood Learning Center (preschool) prepared my children for successful entry to public school. Young, innovative, musical, inspiring and intellectually stimulating rabbi.

The unforgettable Rabbi Haim Asa will forever remain in my heart, and in the memory of tens of thousands of Bulgarians in Orange County, Los Angeles, California, Bulgaria and around the world. A gift and his eternal memory! Thank you for continuing his work! Light on the road! THANK YOU!

We’ve attended Saturday’s Torah Study for over 20 years – always interesting, informative and fun. We love being part of this warm and caring community and have made many great friends.

Very inviting and kind. I appreciate them hosting the SB562 presentation for their community.