Located in Palo Alto California, Congregation Etz Chayim melds Reform and Conservative traditions with elements from across the spectrum of Judaism. We focus on spirituality, lifelong learning, and service, and offer a warm, inclusive egalitarian community. Together with our spiritual leader, Rabbi Ari Cartun, our congregants are exploring what it means for each of us to identify as a Jew.
Our services are conducted in Hebrew and English, with prayerbooks that include both transliterations and English translations. We are a congregation that loves music and likes to sing as we pray together.
Whether you are steeped in Jewish tradition or new to it, you will feel comfortable and challenged to learn more. We are large enough, with almost 300 households, to offer the religious, educational, and social amenities you expect while remaining small enough to provide you with personal attention. Our congregants include members of traditional, interfaith, single parent, same sex, and blended families who represent a broad range of socioeconomic backgrounds, political affiliations, and geographic diversity. Join us Friday night or Saturday morning for a service, come by to help us celebrate a festival, or drop in any time during the week to talk to our staff and tour the building.