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In Focus: Beth Shalom Temple Center

Sig Friedman

By Mary Ann Linforth, Special to the Green Valley News
Published: Thursday, January 24, 2008 7:13 PM MST


Sig Friedman, president of Beth Shalom Temple Center, discussed the history of the temple and the Jewish faith during a recent question-and-answer session.

  • Question: How long has Beth Shalom been active in the area?

  • Answer: The words Beth Shalom in our title mean “House of Peace.” The words “temple center” signifies that we are devoted to religious observance and to social gatherings.

    Our building was erected on this ground in the mid 1990’s. Since then, as our membership has grown, we have enlarged our original building by adding a library and an enlarged entry.

    We are most proud of our sanctuary area with its Torah, the five Books of Moses in a handwritten scroll, as well as an eternal light, symbolic of God’s unending presence. The religious decorations on the windows and walls were done by our members and this also makes us very proud. Actually, our temple roots go back to the 1980’s, when a Jewish Friendship Club was organized.

    Many of our activities involve food; for example, socialization after services, so we are pleased with our recently remodeled kitchen. We’ve added a commercial stove, commercial dish washing equipment and increased our refrigeration and freezing capabilities. This allows us to not only serve our members, but also invite the public to various events we hold throughout the year.


  • Q: How long have you been president of the membership?

  • A: There is a governing board that serves various terms by election. I have been president for one year and plan to run again for a second term.

  • Q: Historically, how far back does your religion begin?

  • A: The history of the Jewish people as Historians and Archaeologists would have us believe dates back 3500 years. The information left to us was written on Tablets, (the Ten Commandments are generally depicted as tablets) and scrolls.

    Various scribes were given the task to carry out the intricate and ritualistic method of writing on parchment, including counting of words to ensure an entirely accurate text of the Torah (Law). Even one mistake would mean that the script would have to be rewritten from the beginning. Although regular books may be used for study, only the Torah is read from the Pulpit during religious services.

    The five books of the Bible are called the “Law” or Torah and are attributed to a revelation by God to Moses in the desert after the exodus from Egypt. In addition to the Five books of Moses the Jewish Bible contains teachings of various Prophets and additional writings. Other volumes, designated as Talmud (Instruction) consist of deliberations and commentaries by numerous Rabbis who are called sages because of their piety and scholarship.

  • Q: Where are you from originally?

  • A: I was born in Chicago, Ill., but after receiving an engineering degree, traveled extensively worldwide. I left engineering for a new career in business settling on the West Coast for 35 years prior to retiring in Green Valley in 2005.

  • Q: Does Beth Shalom’s attendance fluctuate a good deal with our seasonal guests?

  • A: We have a steady year around attendance. The temple has so many opportunities for study and worship, family and personal celebrations that attendance stays quite regular. Overall, we have close to 250 individual members.

  • Q: Do your worship services follow a certain set pattern? What about the sermons?

  • A: Yes, our worship services do follow a set pattern. In the winter months our Sabbath services are held the first and third Fridays of each month starting at 7:30 p.m.. During the entire year we have Torah (Bible) studies every Saturday at 10 a.m.

    We have an excellent choir and choir director. Our Service is both in Hebrew and in English and includes prayers for health and healing. In the course of our worship, the departed are lovingly remembered. The sermon is given by congregants and may include various portions from the Five Books of Moses (Torah). During the High Holy Days in the fall, we engage professional assistance. Sabbath Services as well as Bible study are open to the public.

  • Q: Do laypersons take an active part in your services?

  • A: Although we have no Rabbi, our whole focus is following the traditions of the Jewish faith. Our temple respectfully combines several forms of Jewish practice and ritual. The members follow their individual conscience and preference based on their previous backgrounds during special holidays.

  • Q: How do you reach out to new members?

  • A: Beth Shalom realizes that we are the only temple between Tucson and Nogales. We have so many programs that will satisfy the seekers and those who look towards good fellowship. Our members are our ambassadors.

  • Q: Is there anything special Beth Shalom does specifically for the Green Valley community?

  • A: We are members and participants in the Green Valley Interfaith Council. Our choir will participate in its annual choral concert in February. We donate to the local food bank on a regular basis. This year we host the OLLIE classes and believe our desert garden makes an aesthetic contribution to our neighborhood.

  • Q: Is there a particular event the temple holds during the year that attracts outside participation?

  • A: Our Sisterhood operates a boutique that is open to the public and conducts an annual fashion show and Craft Show that is also open to the public. We have an active Men’s Club that sponsors programs that are pertinent to current issues. We have a monthly Yiddish discussion group. We have a Bagel Breakfast held on the first Sunday of the month open to the public. Special dinners based on ethnic or geographical themes are held monthly and sell out quickly. Since remodeling our kitchen we have been able to open our special events to the public.

  • Q: What’s on your nightstand?

  • A: Mystery books!

    Beth Shalom Temple Center

    1751 North Rio Mayo

    Green Valley, AZ

    520-648-6690

    Web site: www.jewishtucson.org



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