Can I attend a service at Congregation Beth Shalom (CBS)?
Yes! We welcome visitors at our Erev Shabbat services, which are held every Friday night at 7:00pm. Please check our Calendar for Shabbat (Saturday morning services), Festivals and Holidays.
Can I visit the building for a tour?
We are happy to show you our building. Please call or email our temple office at 813-681-6547 or cbs-brandon@outlook.com to make arrangements.
How often do you have services?
We have services every Friday night on Erev Shabbat at 7:00pm. We have occasional Saturday morning Shabbat services to celebrate B’nei Mitzvah or observe holidays and Festivals. Sunday mornings during Religious School, services are held between 9:30 and 10 AM for students and their families.
Who are your spiritual leaders?
Rabbi Lefkowitz is our Senior Rabbi and Spiritual Leader. Sandy Santucci is our Cantorial Soloist.
How many members does CBS have?
We currently have 84 families. We are the largest Jewish congregation in Eastern Hillsborough County.
How do I join Congregation Beth Shalom?
For membership information and applications, contact Judith Pliner, our Membership Chair at CBSMembership@hotmail.com
You may also reach out to our Administration at 813-681-6547
Is there flexibility with my membership financial commitment?
There are several different categories of membership available to meet individual needs. Please see our Membership page for more detailed information. Membership Assistance is given on an individual, case by case basis.
Do membership fees include religious school tuition?
No; religious school tuition is a separate fee from membership fees. This fee helps support the salaries of the professional religious school teaching staff, supplies and materials.
Are your doors open to interfaith and/or LGBTQ families?
Absolutely! We welcome and recognize that Jewish families are diverse in many ways. In addition to interfaith families, we welcome single parent families, as well as LGBTQ Jews and their families. Congregation Beth Shalom is a warm and inclusive Jewish home to all individuals seeking meaningful Jewish life in today’s world.
What do my membership fees pay for?
Membership fees cover all of our operational costs: building maintenance and utilities (air conditioning, lighting, water) as well as keeping the building in a state of good repair. These fees also cover ground maintenance, landscaping and staff salaries, office supplies, cleaning equipment, etc.
What’s the best way to get involved as a member?
Start the process by attending services. Then, sample some Life Long Learning programs; or, join the Chavurah group. There are many committees to choose from, varying from Social Action, Fundraising and Membership. All are welcome at all of our Board or committee meetings unless they are in executive session. Keep up to date with our website, eBlasts as well as our monthly newsletter, “The Kibbitzer”.
