Choosing a place of worship is a deeply personal decision. We put together this list of Jewish temples and synagogues in San Diego featuring welcoming places to worship that allows you to connect with your community so you can find one that is perfect for you and your family.
1. Temple Emanu-El is a Reform Jewish synagogue affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism. Temple Emanu-El is a synagogue that strives to live up to their logo of “A Home, A Family, A Warmth to Tradition.” The synagogue is located in the Del Cerro neighborhood.
www.teesd.org
2. Beth Israel of San Diego is in the Golden Triangle area and is an inclusive Reform congregation dedicated to helping members find an enduring connection to Judaism. As a congregation, their five areas of focus are youth, caring community, creating connections, lifelong learning, and Jewish culture, music and the arts.
www.cbisd.org
3. Chabad of Pacific Beach is dedicated to reawakening Jewish life within a person and geared toward building healthier communities in an inclusive organization. At Chabad of Pacific Beach, all are welcome. They offer unique programs like their “Gym for the Soul” as well as Hebrew school, adult education and community services.
www.chabadpb.org
4. Congregation B’nai Tikvah of San Diego embraces a wholly inclusive congregation, welcoming members with open arms. They strive to provide members with a modern synagogue life focusing on a well-connected community who shares knowledge, spirituality, and fun. Congregation B’nai Tikvah holds in-person services in Carlsbad.
www.bnaitikvahsd.com
5. Chabad of East County refer to themselves as “more than just a synagogue. It is a home for any Jew looking for a warm and spiritual place to grow.” Located in San Carlos, Chabad of East County has a “come as you are” policy, welcoming new members to feel at home with them.
www.jewishec.com
6. Jewish Collaborative of San Diego is located in Carlsbad and is dedicated to their mission of supporting and enhancing “all members’ ability and opportunity to experience, express, explore, and share their life as a Jew in San Diego”. They consider themselves a member-centric and member led congregation that values a collaborative approach.
www.jcosd.com
7. Temple Solel is a Reform Congregation located in Cardiff and is dedicated to welcoming their members into an inclusive community. They focus on actively promoting Jewish community and continuity through study, prayer, and acts of justice, and values such as loving-kindness.
www.templesolel.net
8. Ohr Shalom Synagogue is dedicated to providing their members with a warm and friendly atmosphere that makes all feel welcome and enriches the Jewish experience. They focus on the collective, encourage all members of the congregation to share and participate. The synagogue is located near the Banker’s Hill area and has long-time San Diego roots.
www.ohrshalom.org
9. Young Israel of San Diego (YISD) is located in East County, between Cowles Mountain and Lake Murray, and is a member of the Young Israel family of synagogues. YISD’s goal is to provide their members with “meaningful and inspiring prayer and Torah learning environment.”
www.yisandiego.org
10. Kehilat Ariel Messianic Synagogue started as small congregation in 1981 and has flourished into a robust community with a weekly service of over 200 people. Their congregation consists of Jews who are able to celebrate their faith and heritage, as well as non-Jews who are able to learn in a welcoming environment.
www.kehilatariel.org