IN THE SPIRIT

-- Michele Marr

* Temple name: Temple Isaiah of Newport Beach

* Meeting address: 2401 Irvine Ave., Newport Beach. The temple shares

facilities with Harbor Christian Church.

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

* Telephone: (949) 548-6900

* Denomination: Conservative Judaism

* Year established: 1974

* Service times: Friday night Shabbat services start at 8 p.m., except

the first Friday of the month, which is a family service. This service

follows a Shabbat dairy potluck. The potluck begins at 6:30 p.m. The

service begins at 7:30 p.m. All services are followed by Oneg Shabbat, a

fellowship hour that includes refreshments. A special Shabbat and

Chanukah potluck dinner will be held on Dec. 14 at 6:30 p.m.

* Rabbi: Marc Steven Rubenstein. Rubenstein was ordained in New York

City as a conservative rabbi in 1975. He earned his bachelor’s in

religion and history from American University in Washington D.C. He

earned a master’s in 1976 at New York University. He studied toward a

doctorate in Jewish history at Ohio State University in Columbus.

* Other staff: Gerry Faragalli and April Crane, cantorial soloists

* Size of congregation: 100 families

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

always welcome

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

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

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

Van Beek.

* Type of sermon: Varies. Sometimes the teaching is based 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 means “peace and greetings to you.” Visitors and

newcomers are always welcome.

* Synagogue programs: Shabbat Torah study on Saturday 10 a.m.,

followed by kiddush; a variety of adult education programs and guest

speakers on a broad range of subjects that include religion, history,

current events and archeology; museum excursions; bagel brunches; social

dances; bingo; picnics and many other special events throughout the year.

* Outreach programs: Many of the synagogue’s education programs and

guest speaker events are open to the community-at-large. Rubenstein

conducts an intensive, ongoing program to prepare adults for bar and bat

mitzvah. He also teaches a Hebrew crash course to help those who need to

learn Hebrew or brush up on their Hebrew-language skills. Hebrew School

for children provides a broad education that includes Bible study, Hebrew

culture, Jewish holy days, prayers, Hebrew language skills and practical

Kaballah. Rubenstein is known for his unique teaching methods designed to

engage students of all ages, children or adults. The congregation

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

Shelter. Rubenstein offers a wide variety of interfaith services to

families and couples about to be married. Rubenstein is very active with

the Newport-Mesa Irvine Interfaith Council.

* 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. The temple constantly strives to

improve its programming through the active participation of the members

of its community.

* Interesting note: On Friday, the synagogue will host a guest speaker

from the Jewish National Fund. Recent developments in Israel will be

addressed.