From Small Beginnings...
Beth Jacob Congregation of Irvine (Beth Jacob) began in the summer of 1986 with a small group of Jews who wanted to establish a modern community based on traditional Jewish values. From storefronts to bowling alleys these Jews wandered in search of a permanent home to call their own.
Today, Beth Jacob proudly stands on 3900 Michelson Drive as testimony to a dream fulfilled. With an ever-growing, diverse membership, Beth Jacob enjoys a blend of Jews with different backgrounds. Our mix of Americans, Brits, Europeans, Israelis, Persians, Mexicans, South Americans, and South Africans creates a unique flavor which permeates our environment, and fosters an atmosphere of cooperation and mutual respect.
Beth Jacob prides itself on being the only Shul in Orange County that has services up to three times a day, 365 days a year. Our Shabbat and Holiday services are especially enjoyable due to our talented choir. We offer a variety of services, resources, and activities to meet the religious, educational, cultural, and social needs of our members.
This is Beth Jacob Congregation of Irvine -- promoting traditional Judaism in Orange County and defining Orthodoxy for the next generation and beyond.
From womb to tomb, Jewish life is punctuated with both happy and sad life cycle events. Not only does Beth Jacob provide the technical and logistical support for these occasions, it also strives to make each one of them a meaningful experience for everyone involved.
In times of tragedy, we make it a priority to be there for our members and take care of all the necessary needs including obtaining burial plots, Kaddish Recitals, Yahrzeit and Yizkor Notifications, Funeral and Shiva Arrangements, Unveilings, and Memoriams.
Weather in the workplace, school, or the media-invaded home, Orange County's multi cultural society poses huge challenges to maintaining our Jewish Identity. Beth Jacob meets this challenge head on with an array of creative and insightful programming for adults and youth. Our Enrichment Classes, B'nai Mitzvah Preparation, Youth Programs, Chavurot, Scholars in Residence, Conversion Programs, Networking, Seminars, and NCSY are geared toward enhancing Jewish knowledge and identity in an innovative and enthusiastic way. We have developed programming that is fun and offers hands-on experiential learning including Shabbatons and other events.
Our members are the backbone of Beth Jacob's success. Their commitment and devotion to Bikkur Cholim (visiting the sick), Women's events, Welcoming New Arrivals, Kosher Catering, Chesed (acts of Kindness), Simcha Baskets, and Shabbat Kiddush help make Beth Jacob a warm and caring community.
All work and no play would make Beth Jacob a dull place. Therefore throughout the year we enjoy a variety of activities just for fun such as Holiday Dinners, Simchat Torah Bash, Bowling, Comedy Night, and Wine Tastings.
We hope that this information has been helpful in providing perspective into the nature and scope of what Beth Jacob Congregation of Irvine is all about.
For more information, please contact Rabbi Yisroel Ciner or our Main Office at (949) 786-5230.
Our Space
Beth Jacob Irvine's home was once a Bank. The congregation undertook a renovation project to transform the bank building into a synagogue space that embodies our vision of inclusion, culture, and community.
The Main Sanctuary is home to our Ashkenazi Services, daily minyanim as well as to many classes and a substantial Judaica library. Our beautiful mechitza (gender separation) runs down the center of the sanctuary, giving women and men equally dignified prayer spaces.
The Sephardic Sanctuary is home to our Sephardic Services and minyanim. Unlike the rectangular shaped Ashkenazi style Synagogues, the Sephardic Sanctuary provides a more rounded Sephardic style prayer space.
The Social Hall is home to our weekly Kiddush and Seudah Shlishit. This space can fit over 250 people and is used for special events, festivities, simchas, and so much more!
The Preschool and Playground are home to our Olam Jewish Montessori and Shabbat Youth Services. The more private space provides a special place for special women's readings such as our Purim Women's Meghilla Reading.
To rent out our Sanctuary, Social Hall, or Sephardic Synagogue for your special event, please email the Office Manager or call (949) 786-5230