Our Mission
Temple Beth Torah provides our members a community to enjoy religious, cultural, educational, and celebratory aspects of Jewish life, in an egalitarian and welcoming environment. We foster a community where Jewish people, their families, Jews-by-choice, and all Jew-ish people feel comfortable and supported with their diverse beliefs and Jewish heritages.
Our Core Values
Kehilla
Community
We are dedicated to providing our members with a sense of belonging, both within TBT and the Jewish community at large. From generation to generation ,(לדור ודור) we foster relationships that allow us to thrive while we strengthen and grow our bonds.
Limud
Learning
Learning is Mitzvah. We believe education can take many forms which all contribute to a lifetime of Jewish learning. At TBT, we introduce our members to the joys of learning at all ages. From tots to B-Mitzvah and Confirmation, and adult programs, we provide our members many ways to continue their spiritual and Jewish growth and knowledge throughout their lives.
Tefillah
Prayer
Communal prayer is a cornerstone of our community. By joining our voices and hearts together, we connect more deeply to each other and to God. Throughout our observances and events, TBT creates opportunities for spiritual growth and prayer that fosters each congregant’s connection to Judaism.
Tikkun Olam
Repairing the World
As a community we cherish opportunities to give back and strongly encourage our members to do the same. We believe in social justice and action and bettering the lives of all people. Through volunteering, at TBT and throughout our Northern Virginia communities, we aim to create a better world.
Our History
Originally called Centreville Area Jewish Community, Temple Beth Torah began in the summer of 1994 when two Jewish families placed an ad in a local newspaper seeking other Jewish families with whom to share holidays and traditions. A couple of weeks and over 40 phone calls later, we gathered for our first meeting and service and “Centreville Area Jewish Community” was born. We formed an organizing body in early 1995, establishing a dues-paying membership. As we continued to grow in membership, programs, and services, we hired a Rabbi, Cantorial Soloist, and an Education Director. In 1999, we affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism and changed our name to Temple Beth Torah, which better represents our Jewish heritage and core values to the Jewish community of Northern Virginia.
TBT was blessed to have Rabbi Kenneth B. Block serve as our first rabbi. Rabbi Block retired in May 2025 and now serves as our first Rabbi Emeritus. For 25 years he made spirituality and Judaism approachable to all our members, including non-Jewish members of interfaith couples/families, who found a supportive and comfortable home at TBT. Rabbi Block is open, warm, and often humorous with a unique ability to welcome all people, while making Judaism and its long history easy to understand and practice.
We will always miss his regular presence on our Bimah and at all TBT functions, but are fortunate that he has stayed on as Rabbi Emeritus and left us in very capable hands. His protégé, Student Rabbi Lauren Laird, served as our Cantorial Soloist for seven years, while simultaneously being mentored by Rabbi Block. Now serving as our Spiritual Leader/Student Rabbi, she maintains her cantorial responsibilities and is expected to finish her Rabbinical studies and be ordained in 2025.
Our Leadership
Lauren Laird
Student Rabbi & Cantorial Soloist
Welcome to Temple Beth Torah! As TBT’s Spiritual Leader, I strive to meet each congregant where you are in your Jewish journey while building our congregation’s community spirit. In December 2023, I was humbled and honored to be named TBT’s permanent Spiritual Leader following nearly seven years as the Cantorial Soloist. Serving TBT and the Northern Virginia Jewish community has intensified my commitment to grow our values of inclusivity, diversity, and spirituality, by delivering innovative and family-friendly services, meaningful holiday celebrations, and personalized lifecycle events. I am dedicated to understanding and responding to the needs of our members and I work to constantly renew Judaism not only for us, but for the next generation.
Throughout my 30 years of experience as a Jewish spiritual leader, educator, and pastoral care provider, I have worked in and across Jewish denominations and taught students of all ages. I anticipate receiving Rabbinic Smicha (ordination) in June 2025 from the ALEPH Ordination Program. My educational accomplishments include a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Public Administration degree from The George Washington University and graduating from the Davvenen Leadership Training Institute. I am also a past Treasurer and current member of the Guild of Temple Musicians as well as a student member of OHALAH, Jewish Renewal’s professional organization for Rabbis and Cantors.
Block began serving Temple Beth Torah in September of 1998. Born in Boston, Massachusetts and ordained at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, he is a member of the Central Conference of American Rabbis, Previously Rabbi Block served the Harford Jewish Center in Havre de Grace, MD, was an addiction Chaplain for the VAMHCS, an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, and Chaplain for the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company. Rabbi Block is proud to be a facilitator of an American Cancer Society support group and honored to receive the Boston College Alumni Association Award of Excellence for Religion in 1978.
Our Executive Board
Our Customs
How will I be greeted by and how should I greet those I meet before and after services?
When you enter the building, you may be welcomed with one of the traditional Sabbath greetings. “Shabbat Shalom,” which means “a peaceful Sabbath,” is the most common, but you may also be greeted with “Good Shabbos,” which means “a good Sabbath.” It is always appropriate to respond with either of these phrases.
What are the guidelines for acceptable dress during Shabbat services?
TBT has a smart-casual dress code. Please consider the event; your attire should reflect the significance of the event. Attire should always be modest, respectful, and not create a distraction. Traditionally shoulders are covered when on the Bimah , it is our expectation that you will make every effort to do so.
What should I do with my cell phone?
To honor the sanctity of Shabbat and for respect for the service and fellow congregants, all worshipers must turn off cell phones before entering the Sanctuary.
Is photography allowed in the Sanctuary?
No photography, including the use of cell phones—regardless of flash, is permitted in the Sanctuary during services. On occasion with prior approval, photos of certain events may be taken after the service’s conclusion.
During the service, when may I enter or exit the Sanctuary?
Our most reverential times occur when the Ark doors are open, someone is reading from the Torah or when the Congregation is standing; please avoid entering or exiting at these times. Other times to avoid entering or exiting are when someone is reading the Mourners’ Kaddish or when the sermon of d’Var Torah is delivered.
What is the raised area in the Sanctuary called and are their ritual objects I should be aware of?
This sacred place called the Bimah. This is where the service is conducted and from where the Torah is read. The Aron Kodesh (Holy Ark), which houses the Torah scrolls is located on the Bimah. This is the most sacred place in the Sanctuary. Above the Ark hangs the Ner Tamid (Eternal Light), which burns constantly as a reminder of G-d’s eternal presence.
Do I need a prayer book?
All synagogues provide worshippers with a Siddur (prayer book). TBT uses the “Mishkan T’filah”, the newest Reform Siddur. Mishkhan T’filah contains Hebrew and English, as well as Hebrew transliteration, so those that don’t read Hebrew can follow along when Hebrew is recited/read. In addition to prayers, there is supplemental information which visitors and congregants are encouraged to read and enjoy. Saturday morning services include Torah and Haftarah readings. During these readings, you may also use “The Torah a Modern Commentary” to follow the Torah and Haftarah readings.
Should I wear a Kippah?
Everyone is welcome to wear a kippah. While optional for women, it is customarily worn by men to show reverence to G-d. Kippot (pl.) are provided at the entrance of the Sanctuary.
Should I wear a Tallit?
The tradition of wearing a Tallit varies widely within the Reform movement. Jewish worshippers may wear a tallit for morning prayers and during the Holy Days. In Reform Judaism, it is customary for those 13 and older to wear a tallit during any service that includes reading Torah, if they choose to do so. At TBT, out of respect for the Congregation, it is our custom that Jewish people are required to wear a Tallit if called to the Bimah, to recite the Aliyah (blessings before and after the Torah reading , or at any time a congregant is holding the Torah during a service. A rack of Tallitot (pl.) is available for use by visitors just inside the Sanctuary. Tallitot should never be worn in the restroom (hooks are provided).
When do I sit or stand?
During the service the Rabbi will announce the page numbers in the prayer book and indicate when you are requested to stand or sit. We highly encourage everyone who is able is to stand when the Ark is open out of respect to the Torah and our congregation.
What if I am asked to open the Ark doors?
The Rabbi will ask the honorees to come to the Bimah to open the Ark doors. Each honoree will stand next to a door and open when the Rabbi indicates. Please open/close gently as these doors have a tendency to slam. Once the doors are open the Rabbi will prompt you on your next steps. At that time, you will close the doors and take your seat. You are not required to wear a tallit or kippah when opening the Ark doors if you are not Jewish. Everyone is welcome to participate in this honor.
Will I be expected to participate in the service? How will I know what to do?
During Shabbat services, congregants may be called to the Bimah to assist in the service by blessing the Shabbat candles, opening/closing the Ark doors, holding the Torah for the Mishebeirach, or reciting an Aliyah. These honors are prearranged, and you do not need to be concerned that you might suddenly be invited to the Bimah without warning.
Before the reading of the Torah during the Saturday morning service, there is a procession around the Sanctuary with an honoree holding the Torah scroll. This procession is called the Hakafah. As the Torah passes, congregants may reach out and touch it with the prayer book or Tallit, conveying reverence for the Torah. Although this is a Jewish custom, no one is obligated to participate.
If called up for an Aliyah, the Jewish member(s) should begin by kissing the Torah with their Tallit or the Torah belt, prior to reciting the blessing. A transliterated version of the blessing will be available on the Bimah. Following the Torah reading, the Jewish honoree(s) should repeat kissing the Torah before commencing with the blessing. Non-Jews may be included in an Aliyah.
Note: For the honor of lifting the Torah, holding the Torah, leading an Aliyah, or dressing the Torah, the Jewish honoree should wear a tallit and kippah.
What happens after the Service?
At the conclusion of Shabbat worship, refreshments are served. Before eating or drinking we say blessings over the wine/juice and challah. On Friday evening, this is called an Oneg Shabbat, which literally means “the joy of the Sabbath”. On Saturday morning, it is called the Kiddush, which is named for the blessing over the Sabbath wine. The Oneg and Kiddush are great social opportunities and everyone, members and visitors, are welcome to attend and meet the Rabbi and mingle with members of our Congregation.
When are Shabbat (Sabbath) services held?
We customarily hold Shabbat services Friday night at 7:30pm. B-Mitzvah services begin at 10:00am and typically start on time. Service times may vary depending on the occasion. Check the TBT calendar for details. You may also request to be added to our weekly email list which includes a schedule of all upcoming services and events.
Who should I contact if I have questions about these customs?
Visit our contact page to message the Rabbi or a board member for answers to these questions.
I’d like to join Temple Beth Torah. Who should I contact regarding membership?
If you’d like to join TBT or need information regarding membership, please contact the membership coordinator.
Are there any other courtesies I need to be aware of?
We ask that you refrain from personal conversations during services to avoid distracting others.
Commonly Used Terms
Aliyah
Blessings before and after a Torah reading. An Aliyah is considered a great honor.
Ark (Aron Kodesh)
The holy Ark houses the Torah(s)
B-Mitzvah
Formally known as Bar/Bat Mitzvah (son/daughter of the Commandments) or B’nai (pl.), we use this term to be more inclusive. This lifecycle event is a special service, led by the student turning 13-years-old, and commemorates not only coming of age but, more importantly, calling them to the Torah for the first time.
Bimah
The raised platform in the Sanctuary from which the Torah is read. In most Reform and some Conservative congregations, this is also where the Rabbi conducts the service.
Challah
The traditional braided bread used to celebrate Shabbat and other Jewish rituals and holidays
Chumash
A printed and bound version of the Torah in both Hebrew and English
D’var Torah
A discussion based on the current week’s Torah portion
Haftarah
These are prophetic readings taken from Leviticus. Each weekly reading is meant to be congruous to the current weeks Torah portion.
Hakafah
The procession of the Torah around the Sanctuary
Kiddush
Similar to Oneg Shabbat, the Kiddush follows the Saturday morning service. Kiddush is also the blessing over the wine/juice.
Kippah
also known as a Yarmulke (yamakah) or skullcap, the traditional head covering worn to show reverence to G-d. While optional for women, it is customary for men.
Kippot
the plural of Kippah
Mi Shebeirach
The Jewish prayer for healing
Mourner’s Kaddish
Prayer praising G-d, recited in support of mourners and in memory of those who have passed away
Oneg Shabbat
Light refreshments served following the Friday night service
Shabbat Shalom/Good Shabbos
A peaceful Sabbath/a good Sabbath
Siddur
Prayer book
Tallit
Traditional Jewish prayer shawl which contains fringes on each corner called Tzitzit, which remind us of G-d’s commandments
Tallitot
The plural of Tallit
Torah
Our sacred text containing the five Books of Moses
Tzitzit
Fringes at each corner of the Tallit which remind us of G-d’s commandments
Temple Beth Torah’s Permanent Ark
The breathtaking design of the Ark doors was created by artist and member, Joe Sutliff. Titled, Exodus, the design depicts Moses while the parting of the sea is expressed by the opening and closing of the doors. Notable design elements include the shining Hebrew letters which represent the Ten Commandments and the copper reliefs which reveal a quote from Exodus and the dedication date of these Ark doors. The Ark doors reflect differently as they open and close and throughout different locations in the Sanctuary. This is the artist’s favorite part of his design, and he notes how the brushed technique he used results in this effect, and touches each congregant differently. This echoes each of our unique relationship to G-d.
Temple Beth Torah’s First Ark
This Ark was used by Temple Beth Torah when we first began meeting as a Congregation. Originally the Ark was constructed by the Kanamine family to be taken apart and put into the trunk of a car to be transported to the different locations where services were held. Once we found a permanent location to hold services, the Ark was renovated by the Sutliff family. This little Ark served us well and housed our Torah until the new ark was dedicated in April 2011.