Despite emergency appeals and an offer of help from a neighboring congregation, Temple Beth Haverim (TBH) in Agoura Hills will close at the end of June.

In February, Temple Aliyah in Woodland Hills sought an alliance with Beth Haverim to help the struggling congregation continue operations at its Ladyface Court site. But Beth Haverim was unable to reach an agreement with the property’s bondholders, forcing the temple to close.

To encourage existing Beth Haverim members to keep their conservative affiliaton, Aliyah is offering them a one-year complimentary membership. Security fees, scrip deposit and any tuition fees won’t be covered. In addition, Aliyah will open a religious school and offer adult education and Sabbath services in Agoura Hills.

“By reaching out to the current members of TBH, we not only provide that community with continuity, but also invest in the future of conservative Judaism in the Agoura Hills area,” said Aliyah president Bob Epstein.

Aliyah’s plans were approved by the Beth Haverim and Aliyah boards of directors, Epstein said.

Also authorized by Beth Haverim is the formation of a new synagogue led by Rabbi Gershon Weissman of Beth Haverim. An organizing committee has made phone calls to Beth Haverim members, attracting more than 100 families to establish a new synagogue with full programming, called The New Shul, in Agoura Hills at a location still to be determined.

“We are very encouraged by the show of support for our new congregation,” said Jay Laifman, who is helping to organize The New Shul. ”

Beth Haverim had been suffering financially for several years. Unexpected construction costs when the temple first moved from an office park in 2003, followed by declining membership and property values contributed to the temple’s problems.

The temple filed for bankruptcy in July 2008. Emergency donations from congregants and the community allowed Beth Haverim to continue operating.

“We are saddened that the bondholders did not have the foresight to see that this model of one congregation helping another will become the model for congregations throughout the country as we forge through these tough economic times,” said Aliyah executive director David Brook. “We really felt that, with the support and management of Temple Aliyah, we could have made a difference for the TBH community in their rebuilding plans.”

Aliyah will hold an afternoon religious school program at the Heschel West Day School campus in Agoura Hills for children in kindergarten through sixth grade. For seventh- through 12thgraders, bus transportation will be provided from Agoura Hills to Aliyah for Wednesday night classes and youth activities. Adult education classes will be offered in the fall in the Agoura Hills/Oak Park area.

Aliyah will offer a monthly Friday evening service in Agoura Hills starting in August.

The “Shabbat Experience” will include a service for families with preschool-age children followed by a musical service for adults and families with older children led by Aliyah Rabbi Gary Oren.

In a letter to Aliyah congregants, Epstein wrote that Aliyah’s plans will benefit both congregations.

“Although we are deeply saddened by the closure of Temple Beth Haverim, we are equally excited at the opportunity for Temple Aliyah to maintain a conservative presence in the Conejo Valley,” Epstein said.

For information on Aliyah’s programs, call (818) 346-3545.

Beth Haverim is giving its Torah scrolls, prayer books, Bibles and ritual items to The New Shul for its religious services and programming.

A Hebrew school for students from kindergarten through high school is being developed, together with adult education, service to the community and social programs.

For TBH information, call Felice at (818)706-3101 or email felicespeech@msn.com.