Our History
CELEBRATING OVER 30 YEARS OF EXISTENCE!
1992
Our congregation was officially founded in July 1992 when a small group of individuals began meeting together. In those beginning months, Rabbi Murray Silberling, a SoCal native, would fly down from Seattle where he was leading Congregation Emmaus (now called Beit Tikvah), which he founded. Quickly that small group grew, and our first congregational home was a storefront in Woodland Hills, in the shopping mall on the corner of Ventura and Topanga.
When that building was slated to be torn down to make way for the Ralph’s which is there now, we rented space in a church, Hope Chapel in Canoga Park. We shared that space for nearly five years.
1997
The years at Hope Chapel in Canoga Park were filled with life-cycle events, holiday celebrations, and tremendous growth. So much so, that by 1997 it was time to locate a more permanent home for our burgeoning congregation.
Our first service in our current facility in Agoura Hills was on Erev Rosh HaShanah, September 1997. Following our relocation to the Conejo Valley a media frenzy erupted as many perceived us as a threat and disruption to the local Jewish community. However, as they say, “there is no such thing as bad publicity.” The weeks of articles and letters to the editor all helped pique interest in our arrival. Many people joined our community at that time, some of whom are still a part of our congregation today.
2007
By 2007, for the 10th anniversary in the Agoura Hills location, it was decided that a renovation was in order. An aggressive renovation campaign was launched, and the result was new carpet and paint, the wall of Jerusalem Stone on the bimah, beautiful custom Star of David light fixtures, expansion of the stage and dance floor, new sound equipment, and a remodel of the foyer and women’s restroom.
The vision was to create a space that felt like being in Israel. The primary feature of the newly renovated sanctuary was the wall made up of Jerusalem stone dedicated by the congregants themselves. Paintings of the 12 Tribes were also included, created by various members of our congregation. It is a beautiful facility for our Shabbat and holiday services, life-cycles, and other celebrations and events. Along with the facelift to the facility, our congregation continued teeming with life.
2014
Our founding rabbi, Murray Silberling, led Beth Emunah until his retirement in 2014. Under his leadership our congregation continued to grow and thrive, becoming an influential congregation in Southern California and within the broader Messianic Jewish Movement.
Following Rabbi Silberling’s retirement, Rabbi Dr. Steve Stern became the interim and then Senior Rabbi of our community, serving until 2018. Rabbi Stern, who is also a practicing doctor of physical therapy, continues to serve and advise Beth Emunah in various ways.
2018
In June of 2018 Rabbi Joshua Brumbach became our third spiritual leader. Rabbi Joshua originally began his rabbinic career at Beth Emunah, first serving as an intern and then as the Assistant Rabbi following his ordination. After nearly ten years serving elsewhere he returned to lead our congregation until June of 2021.
If you share our vision for a vibrant Messianic Jewish community in greater Los Angeles and Ventura County we invite you to join us on our journey.