HISTORY

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 Womens 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.  Today, we continue to meet in their warm and inviting sanctuary.

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 frequent our temple and share their unique personalities and perspectives on Shabbat and holidays, including the late Rabbi Bernie King, Rabbi Hillel Cohn and Rabbi Arnold Kopikis.   We now have the pleasure of Rabbi Karen Sherman leading our congregation.

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 K-8 led by multi -grade, experienced teachers and headed by Rabbi Karen Sherman.

Leadership at the temple consists of many devoted and talented volunteers.  Barbara Browne and Eitan Aharoni served as our first temple presidents, and were soon followed by Marilyn Clement, Jan Porush, and Karen Linick. Presently, Avi Rossenfeld 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.