Congregation Beth Shalom Napa Valley began during World War II as “The Napa Jewish Group,” with members gathering in each other’s homes. In 1953, we formally organized as Congregation Beth Sholom and acquired the old Chamber of Commerce Building, relocating it to our present home at 1455 Elm Street.
Our 1963 renovation marked a significant milestone, and the addition of a swimming pool in the early 1970s transformed us into the Jewish Community Center of Napa. In 2014, we completed our new synagogue building, incorporating wooden beams from the original Chamber of Commerce building into the entryway. Our cherished Ark and Ner Tamid were are modeled after those from the 1963 sanctuary.
For the first 50 years of its existence, the congregation was an independent synagogue with part-time rabbis and lay leaders serving as its religious staff. During that time, volunteers contributed to the religious school and various committees.
In 2002, the Congregation voted to affiliate with the Reform movement and, in 2003, hired its first-ever full-time Rabbi. In late 2003, the congregation hired a part-time cantorial soloist, which, when combined with the duties as director of education and youth programming, became a full-time position. In 2003, a building on the premises that had served as a caretaker’s home was remodeled to house administrative offices and the Rabbi’s study. Beth Shalom is the only synagogue in Napa County.
We have grown and become an invaluable Jewish resource in Napa Valley through the leadership and guidance of our past and present Presidents and Boards of Trustees.
Our dynamic youth program nurtures Jewish learning at every age. Our Shorashim preschool program welcomes our youngest learners on select Sunday mornings, while our comprehensive Religious School serves children from TK (Transitional Kindergarten) through seventh grade. We guide students in grades 6 and 7 toward their B’nei Mitzvah, and we provide enriching opportunities for teens to stay connected beyond this milestone.
We’re deeply woven into the fabric of Napa Valley through our active involvement in numerous community initiatives. As members of the Napa Interfaith Council and founding members of The Table food assistance program, we help address food insecurity in our community. Our Camp Chaverim day camp has long been a summer highlight for kids of all faiths, while our partnership with Shearer School supports literacy in our neighborhood.
Under the leadership of Senior Rabbi Niles Goldstein and Music Director Gordon Lustig, we create meaningful Jewish experiences for all. Our inclusive Kabbalat Shabbat services on Friday evenings, engaging Torah study sessions, and adult education programming provide multiple pathways to Jewish learning and spirituality. Our community comes together regularly for festive holiday celebrations and community dinners, often featuring the renowned wines of Napa Valley, crafted by our own members.
Our rich history is preserved in Napa Valley’s Jewish Heritage by Donna Mendelsohn and Henry Michalski, with a permanent exhibit at the Napa Valley Museum in Yountville celebrating the Jewish community’s contributions to the region.