Local JEWISH community
Shalom and welcome to the Low Country of South Carolina!
Our synagogue often receives inquiries from people asking if there is much of a Jewish presence here. We respond with a resounding YES! We are a vibrant, thriving Jewish community that continues to grow as people see what we have to offer. Since most of us came here from elsewhere, we are a Jewish community where one can quickly become rooted and involved. But don’t take our word for it. Read about a new congregant’s personal journey to Congregation Beth Yam:
“We recently made “Aliyah” (migration) from the Philadelphia Area to our new home in Bluffton. For the past 25 years, transitioning from tourists to timeshare residents on the Island, we made the decision to call the Lowcountry our home. In preparation for our move, we navigated and dealt with obtaining new physicians, property taxes applied to our vehicles, traffic jams on 278, and not having a Trader Joe’s. However, one critical unchecked box was finding a new synagogue and Jewish Community with whom we could connect.
In searching for a synagogue and given our experiences with attending services in rented or shared facility space, we wanted to be in a house of worship designed to provide for and immerse us in our cultural and spiritual environment. We wanted to belong to a synagogue with a full time Rabbi committed solely to the congregants and who was deeply involved with the local communities. At this stage of our lives, we also wanted the comfort of knowing that our pastoral care and life cycle needs would be met by a Rabbi who would come to know us personally.
As Retirees migrating to a new area, in addition to meeting our spiritual needs, opportunities to establish a social life and form new relationships were equally as important. We wanted a congregation that was inclusive, accepting, egalitarian and welcoming to all—regardless of one’s level of observance or background. Additionally, although our children are grown, we wanted to belong to a synagogue that housed its own religious school and youth programs whereby our teachings and culture can be passed from one generation to the next.
After we explored our options, we found that Congregation Beth Yam, located on Hilton Head Island, checked all the boxes!
From its inception in 1981 followed by the construction of its own facilities, Congregation Beth Yam has evolved to become the only synagogue in the Greater Bluffton and Hilton Head Areas, Reform or Conservative, with a full-time Spiritual leader. Rabbi Brad Bloom, now entering his 17th year of leading and guiding this congregation, is well respected and well known throughout our local civic and faith-based communities.
Upon entering the main foyer and sanctuary, one is deeply spiritually moved by the Judaica artwork, congregational acknowledgements and tributes, religious and symbolic artifacts, the beautiful stonework, and the ark housing the Torahs. Aside from the sanctuary, the facility has several multi-purpose rooms for special events, a full-service caterer-accommodating kitchen, and classrooms for its youth programs and religious school. Its location off Business 278 entering Hilton Head, provides for an easy convenient, accessible commute from Bluffton and Southern Beaufort County.
With an active men’s club, sisterhood, “chavurah” social groups, and many celebratory events and special services scheduled throughout the year, there are numerous opportunities to meet new friends and form new relationships. From men’s club monthly luncheons, congregational dine arounds, sisterhood events, book club, golf and pickleball groups, adult education seminars, and so much more, you can easily meet other congregants who also made “Aliyah” from somewhere else.”
Services are scheduled most Friday evenings throughout the year, including occasional traditional Saturday services. Check out our calendar posted on the website: www.bethyam.org. Whether you are full or part time residents, visitors or guests, all are welcome to Congregation Beth Yam. For more information contact: communications@bethyam.org.
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, BLUFFTON, SOUTHERN BEAUFORT COUNTY
The natural beauty of the “Lowcountry” is breathtaking! The pristine, natural beaches and waterways provide ample playgrounds to fish, boat, swim or to simply relax and enjoy the lush scenery, greenery and abundance of sunshine. Over 30 world-class golf courses await the most avid of golf enthusiasts. Tennis and pickleball courts, bike paths, walkways and nature trails await those in pursuit of other outdoor recreational activities. From the outlets to department stores and smaller boutique shops, shoppers can find just about anything they want. From full-service coffee shops, cafes, bakeries, family restaurants, and more upscale white tablecloth offerings, you can find world class cuisine satisfying every palate throughout Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, and Southern Beaufort County.
For a more detailed description of what there is to do, see, eat, stay or visit while in the “Lowcountry,” please refer to the links below:
www.blufftonchamberofcommerce.org
We hope to welcome you into our congregational family and local Jewish community. For more information contact: communications@bethyam.org.