In Hebrew, Etz Rimon means Pomegranate Tree.  Pomegranates are mentioned many times in the Torah in conjunction with the Promised Land, peace, harmony, and fruitfulness.  Temple Etz Rimon was founded in June 2000 by Barbara Browne and Eitan Aharoni, in response to a need in the community for a new Jewish religious outlet.  They quickly found other interested families, and rented space at the Carlsbad Women's Club for weekly Shabbat services.

Soon, the Temple grew and moved to Pilgrim Church, where it could comfortably hold both weekly Shabbat services and High Holiday services.

The Temple’s first Rabbi, who set the tone for Etz Rimon, was the highly respected Rabbi Mel Weinman.  He was followed by Rabbis David Barnett, Mark Goldfarb, and Ben Kamin.  Several other rabbis have frequented our pulpit and shared their unique personalities and perspectives on Shabbat and holidays, including Rabbi Bernie King, Rabbi Hillel Cohn, and Rabbi Arnold Kopikis.  For many years we also enjoyed cantorial soloist Jeff Wayne.

After almost ten years we had grown enough for a permanent, although part-time, rabbi.  Beginning in the summer of 2009 we welcomed Rabbi Karen Sherman to lead our congregation.  For the first time we have our own rabbi available for pastoral care and counseling, education programs for youth and adults, and life-cycle celebrations, in addition to holiday and weekly Shabbat services.

Aside from religious services and social and educational activities, we also offer a unique and vibrant religious school, Camp Pomegranate.  The school curriculum includes Judaic studies and Hebrew for grades Kindergarten through post-B'nai Mitzvah, and is directed by Rabbi Sherman.  She is ably assisted by her staff of professionally qualified teachers and parent volunteers.

As we have grown so has our relationship with Pilgrim Church.  We have been fortuante enough to consolidate all of our programs to their campus.  Today, in addition to holding services in their warm and inviting sanctuary, we also hold all Camp Pomegranate classes in their facilities, and Rabbi Sherman has an office there.

Leadership at the Temple consists of many devoted and talented volunteers.  Barbara Browne and Eitan Aharoni served as our first presidents, and were followed by Marilyn Clement and Jan Porush.  For 2010-11, Karen Linick serves as the Temple president.  We are fortunate to be guided by an able Board of Directors and interested members with significant experience in governing of Jewish organizations.

While we hope you will enjoy browsing our website, we welcome you to join us at Shabbat services any week.  If you have questions about Temple Etz Rimon or Camp Pomegranate, please contact the Temple at 760-929-9503 or email us at info@templeetzrimon.org.