 We are a warm and welcoming traditional synagogue located in the eastern part of the San Gabriel Valley. Our family-friendly congregation invites all to join us for prayer, learning and celebration, whether you are a regular davener, or someone who is just beginning to expand your Jewish knowledge and observance. We pride ourselves on including all members of Klal Yisrael as we come together as one community, while sharing our unique experiences and contributions to the Jewish people. While Temple Ami Shalom is affiliated with The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, we welcome everyone, regardless of one’s background, to join together as we worship and celebrate as one people. We believe all of the people Israel are equally valuable and do not support any labels which might separate ourselves or prevent us from joining together as one community.
Our History
Temple
Ami Shalom is a product of the merger in 1994 of two
congregations in the eastern San Gabriel Valley area of Los
Angeles County. The two congregations, Temple Shalom of West
Covina, and Temple Beth Ami, were themselves products of a
denominational split some 30 years ago of the original Citrus
Valley Jewish Community Center, which was formed over 40 years
ago. Our Rabbi
Rabbi Michael Barclay joined Temple Ami Shalom in late June
2009. Rabbi Barclay is also director of the Hillel at Loyola
Marymount Univ., where he teaches in the School of Theological
Studies. He is a graduate of the University of California,
Berkeley and obtained his rabbinic ordination from the Academy
for Jewish Religion in Los Angeles.
Additionally, Rabbi Barclay has been privileged to participate
in traditional indigenous cultural ceremonies and teachings that
few non-indigenous people have ever seen. He has spent
extensive time with leaders in the Hindu, Jivarro, West African,
Gnostic, and Native American traditions and is known
internationally as an expert and lecturer on
cross-cultural mysticism and Rabbinic teachings. He is one of
the few non-Natives allowed to lead ceremonies by the American
Indian Movement. Rabbi Barclay also works with Campus
Ministries to produce multicultural and interfaith
events both on and off campus.
Longer Biography of Rabbi
Michael
Our President
Richard Bash Our Staff
Our Board Members
Our Committee Members
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