About Us

Join us to celebrate our traditions, learn, worship, and embrace Tikkun Olam. Congregation Beth Am is a place where you can feel at home.

Since 1982, Beth Am has embraced the spirit of Dor L’Dor, passing our rich traditions from generation to generation as a Conservative synagogue in the heart of San Diego’s North County. We are home to members from diverse backgrounds, providing them an engaging religious life, opportunities for life-long learning from the Early Childhood Center to adult education, and innovative social and youth programs.

Our Guiding Principles

• Create an extended Jewish family where each member matters
• Inspire and motivate Jewish learning for all ages
• Infuse Tzedakah, Tikkun Olam, and a love for Israel in all that we do
• Maintain a warm and welcoming environment where each of us feels at home

We invite you to learn about  what’s happening at Beth Am. Browse our website, call us at 858.481.8454, or contact us: by e-mailing welcome@betham.com.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Beth Am is rich with tradition.

For over 40 years and thriving, our Conservative community is at home in North County.

In 1982, a group of dedicated Jewish families wanted to establish a Conservative presence in Coastal North County San Diego. The undertaking proved to be prophetic. Rabbi Wayne Dosick, together with a small group of families, formed Congregation Beth Am ("Beth Am").

Settling in the facility affectionately called the “Tire Store,” membership grew quickly with people coming from as far south as La Jolla and as far north as Oceanside. The very first year, Beth Am boasted a Hebrew school, the Jewish Learning Center. During the early years, the synagogue was virtually run by volunteers.

House of the People

During the first years, the congregation focused on growth, learning, and helping people get involved. True to its name, Beth Am had truly become the “House of the People.”

In July of 1991, Beth Am hired a new spiritual leader, Rabbi Arthur Zuckerman, lovingly known as Rabbi Zucky. Membership quickly grew from 160 to over 400 families. Rabbi Zucky instituted the 7 days/week minyan, programming for all ages, a preschool, and youth department.

Our New Home in Carmel Valley

By 1994, the Board of Directors realized that the “Tire Store” could no longer contain the burgeoning congregation and schools. A Capital Campaign began, and the land was purchased for our permanent location in Carmel Valley. A temporary building was erected, and the congregation joyfully walked and danced our Torahs over from Solana Beach.