About Temple Ner Ami
Temple Ner Ami is a Reform congregation located in Camarillo, California, affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), formerly the Union of American Hebrew Congregations (UAHC). Camarillo is situated in Ventura County and is approximately fifty-five miles north of Los Angeles and fifty-five miles south of Santa Barbara. Truly a beautiful locale.
The Temple currently has a membership of over 150 families. Being the only Reform Temple in Camarillo, our diverse membership includes families, senior citizens, and young singles.
Temple Ner Ami was founded in 1994. It evolved from Jewish Families of Camarillo which began in 1992 as a local Jewish center. Now, our Temple offers a variety of programming opportunities.
Our spiritual leader, Rabbi Lisa Bock conducts Friday night Shabbat services accompanied by Cantorial Soloist Karen Dworsky.
Julia Newman is our wonderful, experienced Torah School Educator. She leads a professional staff of teachers and tutors who impart a well-rounded Jewish education to almost 100 children and youth in grades pre-Kindergarten through 12th.
Saturday morning services often include the Bar or Bat Mitzvah of one of our students. This coming-of-age ceremony publicly marks the transition to Jewish adulthood. Our young people in grades 6 through 8 participate in a Junior Youth Group, while the Senior Youth Group membership is for youth in 9th through 12th grade. Our Senior Youth Group is affiliated with the National Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY.)
Adult education includes classes on specific topics, guest speakers, Torah Study, and B'nai Mitzvah training.
The Temple's Sisterhood is an important part of Temple Ner Ami's family. This vibrant group meets on a monthly basis. They operate the Temple Gift Shop, coordinate Shabbat dinners, and sponsor numerous events. Their support of Temple Ner Ami, both financially and with "people power," is vital to the Temple.
The membership and leadership of Temple Ner Ami strive to meet the needs of the Jewish community within the larger community of Camarillo. Whether you are searching for a Beit Ha-Knesset, (House of Gathering;) Beit T'filah, (House of Prayer;) Beit Midrash, (House of Study;) or some combination of all three, Temple Ner Ami is ready to welcome you.
