by Tracy Marcynzsyn
As we embark on the upcoming holiday season, uniting as a community is paramount, says Rabbi Ben Goldstein of Ventura’s Congregation Am Hayam.
“A lot of people feel more drawn to be more a part of a community now than they have in years past,” says Goldstein, named Congregation Am Hayam’s new rabbi in July.
In light of the current events in Israel, “we’ve seen the need to gather together as Jews,” he notes, adding, “It’s more important than it has been in a long time … when significant historical events, like 9/11, or 0ctober 7 occur, we tend to focus on what’s important in life.”
Goldstein discovered what matters most in his own life while studying to be an actor in his younger years.
“I came to the West Coast from Rochester, New York, in 2000. I wanted to be an actor … I was in the unions and did some work here and there, but it was not meant to be,” Goldstein says.
Rather than waiting tables between auditions like many fellow hopeful actors, Goldstein took a different path.
“I had a very strong Jewish education growing up, so instead of being a waiter, I decided to teach Hebrew school and ended up finding it so fulfilling,” he explains.
So, he enrolled in American Jewish University in Los Angeles and became a rabbi in 2010.
As a rabbi, “I love being able to make meaningful connections and help people make their lives better,” he says.
At Congregation Am Hayam (Am Ha Yam in Hebrew means “People of the Sea”), Goldstein appreciates the welcoming community spirit.
“It’s a really nice, wonderful community—it’s more laid back than being closer to L.A., and it’s not as competitive,” says Goldstein, who hails from Woodland Hills.
He aims to promote hope and share peace during the High Holidays, which start with Rosh Hashanah on October 2-4 and conclude with Yom Kippur on Oct. 11 and 12. A full schedule of services offered throughout the season can be viewed online at congregationamhayam.com.
“My hope is for people to have a meaningful experience where they can balance the seriousness of the year with the hope of moving forward,” says Goldstein, adding, “on the Day of Atonement, we make our resolutions to be better people than we are today. I also hope for a year full of peace, where people come to the realization that we’re not different, independent beings, but we’re interdependent beings—we’re all in this together!”
He extends an invitation to anyone who wants to attend services and has not been to the synagogue to RSVP by email to him at [email protected].
Sidebar: Box off
Jewish New Year Services
Congregation Am HaYam services to welcome the Jewish New Year 5785 with Rabbi Ben Goldstein, the congregation’s new spiritual leader.
Congregation Am HaYam offers live streaming services the first full Shabbat of the month. Services on the third Shabbat of the month are both in-person and streaming.
“What I love most about Rabbi Goldstein is his engaging discussions with congregants during Torah services,” says Brenda Rich, Congregation Am HaYam’s president. “His services combine the rich traditions of our heritage with dignity, knowledge and humor.”
The Jewish High Holidays, also known as the Days of Awe, begin Wednesday evening, October 2 and continue on October 3 and 4. Kol Nidre is Friday night, October 11 followed by Yom Kippur services on Saturday, October 12.
Congregation Am HaYam welcomes the community and is offering membership free for the first year, which entitles new members to tickets for the high holiday services. For more information, please contact Brenda Rich at 805 644-2899 or email her at [email protected].
