In the Spirit

Address: 2401 Irvine Ave., Newport Beach. (The temple shares facilities

with Harbor Christian Church.)

Mailing address: P.O. Box 10414, Costa Mesa 92627

Phone: (949) 548-6900

Denomination: Conservative-Traditional Judaism

Year established: 1974

Service times: Friday night Shabbat services start at 8 p.m., followed by

Oneg Shabbat, a fellowship hour that includes refreshments.

Senior rabbi: Marc S. Rubenstein. Rubenstein came to Temple Isaiah at the

end of February. He was ordained in New York City as a conservative rabbi

in 1975. He earned his bachelor’s in religion and history and his

master’s in 1976 at New York University. He studied for a doctorate in

Jewish history at Ohio State University in Columbus. He describes the

ideal House of God as a place where Jews of all walks of life and all

ages, rich and poor, old and young, can meet and worship as equals,

seeking out the good in their fellow man, with everyone practicing the

most noble teachings of Judaism.

Other staff: Gerry Faragalli, cantor

Size of congregation: 100 families

Child care: Only on the High Holy Days, but children of all ages are

welcome.

Type of worship: Shabbat services are modern-traditional and include

prayer, music and a sermon. The temple’s worship for the High Holy Days

is known for its unique choir ensemble under the direction of Flory Van

Beek, which includes a range of voices from different opera companies.

There is also a Torah study at 10 a.m. Saturday, followed by Kiddush.

Type of sermon: Varies. Sometimes the teaching is based mostly on the

current Scripture reading, at other times Rubenstein relates the

Scripture reading to a current event topic.

Welcome wagon: First-time visitors are introduced by the rabbi, and the

congregation welcomes them with a traditional Hebrew song, “Hevenu Shalom

Aleichem,” which is “peace and greetings to you.” Visitors and newcomers

are always welcome.

Outreach programs: The temple offers a wide range of programs, education

and special events to the congregation and the community. Regular

programs include adult education classes, Hebrew school for children and

many social events. Throughout the year, the temple hosts many special

classes and guest speakers on a broad range of subjects that include

religion, history, current events and archeology. The temple also

collects food every Friday night and sends it weekly to the Interfaith

Shelter.

Mission statement: The mission of Temple Isaiah is to provide its members

and guests with the most enriching Jewish experience possible in an

inviting and comfortable atmosphere conducive to traditional Jewish

worship, study and socializing, while maintaining a friendly, modern,

inclusive and accepting environment. This is accomplished by obtaining

the highest-quality personnel to offer innovative and meaningful

religious services, educational opportunities and social events at a

beautiful Newport Beach facility. We constantly strive to improve our

programming through the active participation of the members of our

community.

Interesting note: Throughout May, Rubenstein will continue a series of

talks, which began April 6, titled “The Jewish Traveler.” He will talk

about aspects of Jewish communities around the world, presenting insights

into the Jews of Argentina, Brazil, England, Italy, Holland, Russia,

Canada, Israel, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Talk times are

at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through May 25. Beginning June 1, and running

through June 30 at 7:30 p.m., Rubenstein will conduct a series titled

“The Taryug Mitzvot: The 613 Commandments of the Torah.” The series will

look at the negative and positive commandments, how they correspond to

the bones and muscles of the human body and how to use the commandments

to enrich one’s life. Anyone interested is encouraged to make

reservations for the series early, as this is a very popular subject.

Members are admitted free of charge. Nonmembers pay $30 for each series.

For more information, call Van Beek at (949) 548-6900.