6 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY MAY 14-20, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com 831 In 1952, Rabbi Abraham Haselkorn, leader of what is now Temple Beth El, established a doctrine encouraging his congregation and future leaders to embrace and support diversity in the wider Salinas community. Dubbed the Haselkorn Doctrine, the belief has continued throughout the synagogue’s history, not only through community outreach and organizing but by the growing interfaith makeup of its members. “Our efforts are in inclusivity, and having an interfaith congregation,” says Michelle Kaiser, committee chair for the temple’s board of directors. “We’re trying to make it accessible and open.” This year, Temple Beth El is celebrating its 90th anniversary. Its history can be traced back to the first Jewish settlers arriving in Salinas around 1900. By 1928, it had 22 members, which eventually became the First Hebrew Congregation and Community Center. In 1938, George and Rose Genser contributed funds to establish the community’s first synagogue on Park Street, which was built with additional funding from private contributors, including merchants and produce brokers. Haselkorn served as rabbi for 20 years. During that time, in 1963, the present building at 1212 Riker St. was constructed to accommodate the growing congregation. Their name changed to Temple Beth El as they became affiliated with the Union of American Hebrew Congregations. That history and more will be on full display during a fundraising gala on May 16. The gala, which is sold out, will include an archival display of the temple throughout the decades, looking back on each generation’s involvement and contributions. Cantor Margaret Bruner, who has served in leadership for the past decade, says the event will be an opportunity not only to look back but also move things into the future. “I’m looking forward to celebrating this milestone with the community,” she says. “Ninety years is a really long time. We are the oldest Jewish community and the face of Judaism in Salinas. When I came on board, I knew I wanted to help retain members and attract new ones.” Bruner is the first cantor to lead Temple Beth El Salinas, after a long line of rabbis. A cantor, she explains, plays a unique role in a congregation. They are in charge of the music during worship. “It’s a big responsibility,” she says. “We teach how to chant from the Torah. Because you’re not supposed to just read it, music is a big part of a service.” Bruner admits her time at Beth El has at times been challenging, partially due to Covid and the learning curve of using technology such as Zoom. Another reason, she says, is the ever-changing role that houses of worship play in society. “There are hundreds closing every day across the U.S.,” she says. “Churches, synagogues and mosques are losing members. And then Covid really wiped out a lot of memberships.” But the younger leadership of Temple Beth El, Bruner says, has continued to push forward. This includes many interfaith families, such as Kaiser’s. “The core of our families now, especially people under 40, are all interfaith,” Bruner says. “Our temple president is not Jewish. We have a small religious school, and every single kid there has interfaith parents. It’s part of our culture here.” Kaiser’s family has been part of the local Jewish community for generations. It is this legacy, she says, that prompts her to stay involved. “[My family] have their pictures on the wall, their Torahs in the temple,” she says. “There are so many stories and pieces of history not only from my family but other families who are still here. My past is what propels me to want to be a part of this. To make sure it lasts.” Both Bruner and Kaiser say that looking to the future of Temple Beth El Salinas is promising, despite the challenges. The congregation’s members once peaked at 130, but now sit at 41. “We’re small but close and tightknit,” Kaiser said. “We are trying to continue to lay down the foundation of roots for new and current members.” Bruner adds, “It’s been an honor for me to have served this congregation for the past 10 years. I hope we can increase membership and remain a fixture in the community in Salinas Valley.” Lasting Faith Guided by its support of diversity, Temple Beth El in Salinas celebrates its 90th anniversary. By Johanna Miller “My past is what propels me to want to be a part of this.” TALES FROM THE AREA CODE DANIEL DREIFUSS Temple Beth El’s members are active in the community, including, from left, Lindsay Millan, Michelle Kaiser, Shauna Worthington and Cantor Margaret Bruner. “We want to put a positive face to the community,” Bruner says. GET TICKETS! PRESENTED BY TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2026 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM FERRANTE’S AT MONTEREY MARRIOTT TICKETS: $45/MEMBERS • INCLUDES BREAKFAST QUARTERLY BUSINESS INSIGHTS BREAKFAST Join us for an informative presentation titled “Current State of Healthcare in the Region” with Montage CEO, Dr. Mike McDermott.
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