This article appeared in the September 2025 issue of the Stroll Entrada magazine.
Many Entrada residents are surprised to find an active Jewish community in Southern
Utah. The congregation is led by two longtime Entrada members, Rabbi Helene
Ainbinder who is the spiritual leader, and Marilyn Kanas, President of the congregation.
Rabbi Helene and her husband Michael (who is an active member of the Entrada Bridge
club) moved here in 2013. She quickly became involved with the small Jewish
community here and generously volunteered her time to lead the congregation. She
served as President of the St. George Interfaith Council and taught at the Utah Tech
Institute for Continued Learning.
Marilyn and her husband Michael have been members of Entrada for 20 years! First as
Associates, visiting a couple times a year, and then moving here in the fall of 2014.
They both got involved in Entrada: Marilyn on several Club Committees and Michael as
President of the Entrada Property Owners Association for 3 years, and Chairman of the
Entrada Design Review Committee for 5 years. After 4 years on the Board of St. George Art Around the Corner, Marilyn was ready to join another non-profit and joined the Board of Beit Chaverim in 2022. She has served as its President since January 2024.
History
Beit Chaverim began as a small Jewish community in the mid-1990s about the same
time Entrada was in its early stage. Today the congregation has about 65 families,
many of whom live in Entrada. At first the congregation met in members’ homes, and
over time one of the congregants was introduced to the pastor (Reverend Ralph) of the
Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church and was offered the use of their Education
building for Shabbat services. The congregation hosts Shabbat services in person on
the second Friday night of the month. Other Shabbat services are held on Zoom. Major
holidays are generally celebrated at the Clubhouse at Brio.
So, who are we? There are three major denominations of Judaism: Reform,
Conservative and Orthodox. We are a Reform synagogue which means we practice the
teachings of the Torah, and we are committed to inclusivity and are welcoming to all
who chose to worship with us. Reform Judaism emphasizes the need to adapt our
Biblical teachings to remain meaningful in our modern communities. At Beit Chaverim,
our members are interested in the social aspects of getting together to celebrate our
holidays and traditions, as much as the religious aspects.
Recent Events and Holidays
As the congregation grew it became associated with the United Jewish Federation of
Utah, as well as the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ). Both the Federation and URJ
have been invaluable partners.
Chanukah 2024
Cantor Sam and his Merry Band treated us to a musical celebration with the traditional
latkes, made by our members. This was made possible by a grant from the United
Jewish Federation of Utah and sponsorship memberships. In addition, several Entrada
families sponsored the additional musicians.
Purim 2025
Purim celebrates the saving of the Jewish people from an edict by the King’s advisor
Haman, dating back to the 4th or 5 th century BCE.
It is traditional for Rabbi Helene to dress up as Queen Esther, who was married to the
King and saved the Jewish people.
Special Shabbat at Black Desert –
In late April Entrada residents Leslie & Russ Robinson sponsored a dinner at Basalt at
Black Desert and invited student Rabbi Hilary Cohen to join us for the weekend. During
a wonderful dinner, student Rabbi Hilary Cohen talked about the cultural and community
aspects of Judaism. Following dinner, we went downstairs to have a Shabbat service
and some thought-provoking discussions about what it means to be Jewish in today’s
world. We were treated to singing and music by Taylor Wachman on the guitar, as he
led us in many familiar prayers and songs.
On Saturday Hilary led a nature walk for a group of hikers from Red Mountain Spa to
Tuacahn. Some of us just came for the lunch!
About Beit Chaverim
Beit Chaverim Jewish Community of Greater Zion provides Jewish residents and
visitors a connection to their religious, spiritual, and social needs.
For more information, check out our website, www.beitchaverimutah.org , or email
Marilyn Kanas, president@beitchaverimutah.org. If you are not already a member, we
welcome you to join our active congregation.
