TIS is the only Conservative synagogue in east county San Diego and one of the oldest synagogues in California! We are truly inclusive and believe in the power of community. TIS includes and embraces many different people and families, including families, couples, and individuals of any faith or no faith, age, race, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or financial ability. You are welcome at TIS.
In 1906, TIS was founded as an alternative to the first and only synagogue in San Diego. The first TIS home was built in 1917 in Sherman Heights, one of the oldest neighborhoods in SD. At that time, there was a downtown population of Eastern European laborers, shopkeepers, and small businesses that gathered at Tifereth Israel for Shabbat, holidays, and lifecycle events. By 1948, the congregation had outgrown their space, and with the help of a newly formed TIS Sisterhood, the community moved uptown.
TIS built a new synagogue and Jewish center in North Park, eventually filling it with new members and visitors, Torah school, youth groups, preschool, kosher kitchen, and library. And, over time, the synagogue needed to pivot geography once again, with many congregants moving further north and others to east county.
The community looked to the east and found the perfect site for a new home, Cowles Mountain in the hills of San Carlos. This building was dedicated in 1979, and that’s where we are today, with our beautiful sanctuary and social hall (which holds 1200 people for the High Holy Days - twice the number of seats than before!), airy classrooms for our incredible preschool and infant center, amazing outdoor spaces for playtime and contemplation, and more.
Join us to continue making history and creating the future of Jewish community!