Welcome to TBE

Welcome to Temple Beth-El (TBE) located in beautiful Ithaca, NY – the heart of The Finger Lakes! It’s an incredibly special place. We are a vibrant, egalitarian, Conservative/Masorti congregation that has already enjoyed a 100-year history. That history includes rich traditions, strong volunteer leadership, well-established local ties, and a deep commitment to community service.

Though we are an old synagogue there is nothing ‘over the hill’ about us. We are constantly endeavoring to remain relevant in this ever-changing world. Led by our amazingly talented rabbi, Rabbi Caleb Brommer, our services are traditional  but energetic and always include contemporary but thoughtful tie-ins to the weekly Torah teachings. All the Jewish holidays are celebrated with great enthusiasm with the proper joy and/or reverence as dictated by the occasion. We also have daily minyan gatherings in the morning and afternoons six days a week with on-line options every day and in-person gatherings in the morning twice a week. 

With three institutions of higher education in our midst – Cornell University, Ithaca College, and Tompkins Cortland Community College – we also make Jewish education a priority at TBE. We have a full-time Director of Education and Engagement, Calle Schueler, who oversees our Religious School and our Teen and Family Programming. Engaging Adult Education programming has regular offerings throughout the year. 

TBE is our spiritual and Jewish home.  We welcome visitors and we love it when people  drop in! Whether it is for Shabbat or minyan or just to check us out…we would love to meet you!

Warmly,

Jerry Dietz and Ariel Avgar (Co-Presidents, 2025-2026)