Frequently Asked Questions
BASICS
Where are you located?
10180 Los Osos Valley Road
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405-4755
We are set back from the road with a gated entrance on the east side of Los Osos Valley Road, flagged by a large sign.
What are your office hours?
Our Temple Administrator, Robyn Friedman O’Leary, is in the office Monday – Friday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. You can also email her with questions or to arrange for a visit.
Do you have a Judaica shop?
Yes! Our Judaica Shop maintains a selection of gifts and cards for all Jewish lifecycle events, and is open during business hours.
Who are your clergy?
Rabbi Micah Hyman is our full-time rabbi. He was ordained at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York where he earned a Master's Degree in Jewish Art & Culture. He has 10 years of pulpit experience and has worked as a Jewish editor for 7 years, including 4 years as a Senior Educator at the Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv. Rabbi Hyman lives in Morro Bay with his two sons. Mark Getten is our talented cantorial soloist in residence.
Do you offer regular Torah Study?
Yes! Saturday mornings at 9:15 am, our Torah Talk group gathers (in person or online) to explore the week’s parsha (Torah portion). The discussion is facilitated by Rabbi Micah Hyman or our very capable and knowledgeable lay leaders. Everyone is welcome!
WORSHIP SERVICES
When are services?
We hold Erev Shabbat services every Friday night at 7:00 pm in person and broadcast via Zoom. Bar and Bat Mitzvah services are held on appropriate Saturday mornings at 10:30 am. We observe Jewish holy days and holidays with services throughout the year.
Our services are fully egalitarian, with men and women participating equally.
What if I don’t know the prayers? What if I can’t read Hebrew?
We have created a healthy balance between the traditional and the creative, between Hebrew and English, and between singing and speaking in order to fully accommodate members from many different Jewish backgrounds. We’re sure the prayers and melodies will become familiar the more frequently you attend.
Do you have to be a member to come to services?
Not at all! Everyone is welcome, whether from Orthodox backgrounds, liberal Jewish backgrounds, or anywhere in between, as well as Jews-by-Choice and non-Jewish members.
I’m not Jewish, can I come to services?
Yes! And see above. Please contact Robyn in the office for online access to services.
What should I wear to services?
Our dress code is what you might call “California Casual” but we request appropriately respectful attire. Please no tank tops, ripped jeans or casual shorts. Note that our building is naturally ventilated: evenings can be chilly, so layers are always a good choice. Kippot and talisim are optional.
Are there kippot and talisim available?
Yes, kippot are provided at the entrance to the sanctuary. Please note that it is traditional for talisim to be worn by Jewish adults only.
MEMBERSHIP
We’re an interfaith family. Can we become members?
Absolutely! We have many active and involved interfaith family members and we fully encourage their participation!
I’m not Jewish and am interested in conversion. What are the steps?
Jewish people in general and Congregation Beth David in particular welcomes those who are sincere candidates. Please contact Robyn in the office for more detailed information and to set up a meeting with Rabbi Micah Hyman.
Where can I get more information about becoming a member?
Subscribe to our email list, which will keep you updated with Beth David news, events, and programming. Contact us for more information about membership.
OTHER
Is your facility available for rent?
Yes it is, although the Covid pandemic requires that we set strict limitations. Please contact the office for the most current information.
Do you have cemetery plots available?
Beth David SLO owns the Jewish section of the San Luis Obispo Cemetery located off South Higuera Street. Plots are available for purchase by Beth David members through the synagogue office.
Plots in the Jewish section of the Los Osos Valley cemetery are available by contacting their mortuary office.
Will you conduct a Jewish funeral for non-members?
We will try our best to support your family during your time of grief. Please call us at (805) 544-0760 or contact us by email.