The B’nai B’rith community was incorporated in Santa Barbara as a Reform congregation in 1927. Its present facilities, notably the synagogue on the hillside above Goleta (at 1000 San Antonio Creek Road), were dedicated in 1970. The natural amphitheater on the property has been marvelously adapted for outdoor Shabbat services with the construction of the gazebo-like Abrahams Chapel.
The MISSION STATEMENT of this community is:
“Congregation B’nai B’rith is a center for Reform Jewish communal life in Santa Barbara. We are committed to creating a deeply caring Jewish religious community which meets the educational, spiritual and social needs of people in all stages of life. Our goal is to encourage people to interact with Judaism and its values through Jewish study, worship, celebration, social action and social activities.
As a congregation, we wish to extend ourselves to all who want to learn about and participate in Jewish life. We work to foster the spirit of Klal Yisrael, the responsibility that Jews bear toward each other and Israel. It is important that we come to understand ourselves and our traditions in relation to other peoples of the world. In turn, we hope to enhance community awareness about Jews and Judaism.