Shalom Welcome to Beit Yosef. We are Portland's "Little Israel."
Join us for prayer, learning, connection, and love of Torah.
who we are
Shabbat Services
We warmly invite you to join us for Shabbat services every Saturday at 9:25 am and experience the joy and warmth of our Sephardic community. Our observant Shabbat services follow the unchanged Sephardic tradition that honors the sanctity of the Shabbat and lifts up the Torah, as practiced for generations. Whether you are returning to tradition, exploring your Jewish roots, or seeking a place to connect, you are truly welcome here. While we ask all guests to honor the sanctity and customs of our space, please contact us at info@beityosef.org before your first visit for security reasons. We look forward to welcoming you and thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Sephardic Warmth: A Model for the Jewish Future
Sephardic synagogues are renowned for their warmth, hospitality, and broader inclusivity. Historically, Sephardic communities have avoided rigid ideological divisions, fostering synagogues that welcome a diverse spectrum of observance and are horizontal in structure—without hierarchies. We focus on hessed—compassion and lovingkindness—rather than strictness, making it common to see people from all backgrounds praying side by side, each respected for their journey and participation in an observant Shabbat service. Reflecting this spirit, we are a lay-led congregation, sustained entirely by the dedication of our all-volunteer staff, without paid employees. We are proud to seek spiritual guidance from Rabbi Yonatan and Rabbanit Devorah Halevy, and to be affiliated with Shiviti, the broader educational and communal organization they lead. This partnership enriches our community with deep Torah wisdom and a wider network of support, while preserving our independent, grassroots character.
For all Jews
We cherish every Jew wishing to experience the beauty of a Sephardic Shabbat. Our community is guided by warmth and genuine acceptance for all who come to Torah, whether by birth or by choice. We love the Torah and accept full members of the Jewish people. We follow the view of Rabbi Yehuda in the Talmud that those who join us are entirely part of the Congregation of Israel. There is a beautiful tradition—referenced in sources like Targum Yonatan and the Midrash—that some converts are the returning lost tribes of Israel; while not universally emphasized, we embrace this idea as part of the rich tapestry of Jewish unity. We are a multilingual, diverse community (including Hebrew and Spanish speakers), and while we do not offer a conversion program, we are happy to offer friendship, learning, and support. If you are seeking conversion, we encourage you to speak with a qualified Beit Din as the process is profound and requires expert guidance. We wish you every blessing on your journey and strive to ensure that every Jew, regardless of origin, finds a true sense of belonging here.
PDX
Our mission is rooted in Torah and tradition, and we stand with Rabbi Yoḥanan, who stood in respect before every elder—Jew or Gentile—honoring the dignity and experience of all people. We are distinctly Jewish, strong supporters of Israel, and deeply committed to the well-being of our broader community. We pray for the peace of Portland, our beautiful city in the Pacific Northwest, and strive to be a blessing to all its residents, both Jewish and non-Jewish alike
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