Bet Shalom was founded as a Reform synagogue in the spring of 1981 when a small group of families organized together with a mission to create an intimate, warm, and welcoming congregation to all people. These families engaged Rabbi Norman Cohen as the first rabbi of the congregation and held services and Religious School at the Sabes JCC in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, during these first few years. As the congregation grew, we moved to our first permanent home in downtown Hopkins in 1984, where we were able to establish ourselves as a family of friends who could come together to laugh, cry, love, and grieve through Jewish practice, ritual, and tradition.
In 2002 our congregation realized the dream of building our own campus in Minnetonka which enabled us to be intentional about every aspect of the space. We designed a building that would become home to our Bet Shalom Yeladim Preschool, our youth education and engagement programs, adult classes, and work space for our office staff. We have a professional kitchen that is used for formal catering, and also serves as an avenue for engagement through the leadership of our kitchen committee. These facilities encircle our sanctuary in the center of the building. The sanctuary is the heart of everything we do and can be seen from every part of the building so that our thoughts are always focused on the sacred work we do. The sanctuary can serve as an intimate prayer and gathering space, and can also expand to accommodate larger gatherings throughout the year.
Bet Shalom has been blessed with an esteemed list of clergy since its founding. Rabbi Norman Cohen was the first Senior Rabbi and after leading the congregation through its first 35 years, became Rabbi Emeritus in 2016. Cantor Sarah Lipsett-Allison, zl, first came to Bet Shalom in 1997 as our Cantorial Soloist and became Cantor after completing her studies in 2006. Rabbi David Locketz began as Assistant Rabbi in 2004, became Associate Rabbi in 2007, and Senior Rabbi in 2016. Rabbi Avrin started at Bet Shalom as Rabbi Educator in 2013 and then served as Associate Rabbi from 2017 to 2023. Cantor Tamar Havilio joined our clergy team in July 2020.
Today, Bet Shalom is home to more than 650 households. We are a progressive congregation that provides a sacred community for worship, study, and Tikkun Olam. Our clergy and staff are supported by the Board of Trustees, which comprises 18 members. Together, we strive to fulfill the mission and vision of our congregation.