IMPORTANT: This is an archive of material created by the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation before June 2012. For current and new Reconstructionist content, go to JewishRecon.org.
# | Submitted | User | IP Address | Congregation's Official Name | City | State/Province | Your Name | Year of Founding | Current Officers | About Your Community | Photo 1 Name | Photo 1 Caption | Photo 2 Name | Photo 2 Caption | Photo 3 Name | Photo 3 Caption | Photo 4 Name | Photo 4 Caption | Photo 5 Name | Photo 5 Caption | Photo 6 Name | Photo 6 Caption | Photo 7 Name | Photo 7 Caption | Photo 8 Name | Photo 8 Caption | Photo 9 Name | Photo 9 Caption | Photo 10 Name | Photo 10 Caption |
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| 398 | Jan 12 2012 - 10:39pm | Anonymous | 74.92.126.138 | Leyv Ha-Ir | Philadelphia | Pennsylvania | Eve Maslin | 1990 | Vice Presidents: Susan Thompson, Bobbi Cohen Secretary: Iris Newman Treasurer: Patricia Saddier Council at Large: Jay Butler Council at Large: Joan Goldberg Council at Large: Marsha Hyman Council at Large: Laura Jacobs Co-Chairs, Education: Myrna Schlanger, Joan Goldberg Chair, Finance: Michael Meketon Chair, Ritual: Michael Meketon Chair, Tikkun Olam: John Mason Publicity & Newsletter Editor: Beverly Hayden Past President: Michael Meketon | Leyv Ha-Ir, Hebrew for Heart of the City, is a small, growing Reconstructionist Congregation located at the Ethical Society at 1906 S. Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia. Founded in May, 1990, Congregation Leyv Ha-Ir is led by Rabbi Julie Greenberg. Our members come from all branches of Judaism, including Reform, Conservative and Orthodox, and include recent converts to Judaism. Our members include students, professionals, rabbis, singles, couples, and those in traditional and non-traditional families. We welcome you to explore your Jewish identity and the Jewish holidays with us. Our calendar is packed with an abundance of activities, including Shabbat and holiday celebrations, opportunities for learning, and connecting with community. Leyv Ha-Ir (Heart of the City) is an egalitarian Reconstructionist Congregation located in Center City, Philadelphia. Our members foster a caring community by nurturing each other's spiritual, intellectual, emotional and physical lives. We encourage and accept each other's varied paths and expressions of Judaism. We value traditional and contemporary liturgy in a participatory setting to explore an evolving sense of the Divine. We are inclusive and accepting of difference. We connect with our ancestors and Jews around the world through observance of Jewish life cycle events and holidays. We enhance our Jewish identities by study, social action, and participation in the larger Jewish Community. | LeyvHa-Ir.PA.Ark.jpg | Congregation Ark | ||||||||||||||||||
| 399 | Jan 12 2012 - 11:23pm | Anonymous | 74.92.126.138 | Temple Beth Or | Miami | Florida | Eve Maslin | 1980 | Rabbi Mark Kram OFFICERS President: Shep Faber VP Administration: Jeff Tucker VP Communications: Alan Eisenberg VP Finance: Irene Elliott VP Programming: Michael Henry Corresponding Secretary: Karen Steinberg-Lewis Recording Secretary: Marti Gammon Past President: Michael Newman MEMBERS AT LARGE Vicki Brail: Jeff Kaminsky; Annette Katz; Cheryl Krisal; Martin Levine; Bob Olian; Lynn Olian; Marcy Prince; Rhoni Tannenbaum; Rowena Wallach; Committee Contacts AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY LIST By-laws President Michael Newman Check Writing Finance Irene Elliott Choir Programming Michael Henry Dues Finance Irene Elliott Garden & Grounds Administration Marcy Prince House & Structures Administration Jeff Tucker; Mike Leslie; Joe Witz; Library Administration Membership Programming April Miller Men's Reading Group George Emerson Minutes & Records Recording Sect'y Marti Gammon Ritual Support Administration Celia Belsky News Items (Gnus) Communications Greta Larrison-Malkin Notices Communications Karen Steinberg-Lewis Red Tent Bette Spector Ritual Programming Michael Henry Social Action Programming Bette Spector Social Events Administration April Miller This Week At Beth Or Communications Alan Eisenberg Torah School Education Steve Gair Webmeister Communications Alan Eisenberg | We are a friendly, caring community that is committed to creating a Jewish spiritual home where people of all backgrounds can feel comfortable. Our goal is to provide an open and intellectually challenging learning environment where individuals of all ages and backgrounds can wrestle with the issues that confront them daily. We believe that learning and studying can translate into a meaningful commitment toward Tikkun Olam: making the world a better place. Founded in 1980 by Rabbi Rami Shapiro, Beth Or is an open-minded community that values diversity. We are small by design and desire, and are committed to maintaining our ability to know each other in an environment of being haimish and informal. Our prayer, learning, and celebrations are marked with a blend of tradition and innovation. We are not afraid to be creative and take pains to root that creativity in the texts and textures of our tradition. Our services are egalitarian, participatory and friendly. They invite you to become involved by teaching the words and concepts that make Jewish prayer powerful. Marked by dialogue, our services invite your questions and discuss your concerns. Beth Or is a house of meeting, prayer, study, comfort and joy. But most importantly, it is a Home. We dedicate ourselves to prayer, learning, celebration and acts of Tikkun Olam. | TempleBethOr.Miami.Fl.Logo.jpg | Temple Beth Or Logo | ||||||||||||||||||
| 400 | Jan 13 2012 - 12:32am | Anonymous | 74.92.126.138 | Temple Hillel B'nai Torah | West Roxbury | Massachussets | Eve Maslin | 1949 | Steering; Shelley Stevens President; Jeff Simmons Treasurer/Finance; Jocelyn Gordon Secretary; Craig Schneider VP Inreach; Marcie Laden VP Operations; Nechama Katz VP Outreach; Jean Weinberg VP Leadership; Dana Rubin At Large Directors Kalish, Susan, term ending 2012 Stanzler-Katz, Jill, term ending 2012 Karp, Beth, term ending 2012 Schleifer, Aaron, term ending 2012 Sandberg, Valerie, term ending 2013 Taylor, Janet, term ending 2013 Elstein, Elana, term ending 2013 Levy, Ed, term ending 2014 Massey, Michael, term ending 2014 Levine, Gail, term ending 2014 | About Our Temple Temple Hillel B'nai Torah is a Reconstructionist congregation that is welcoming, egalitarian, multicultural, and inclusive. We are devoted to worship, study, social justice and community. Hillel B�nai Torah is a haimish community that is rooted in Jewish tradition and responsive to the world we live in. We actively engage our members in the creative process of bringing new perspectives to tradition and making tradition meaningful to contemporary lives History of the Temple Temple Hillel B'nai Torah's beginnings date back to 1949, with the Parkway Jewish Women's Club. A year later, the Parkway Jewish Men's Association came into being. By 1955, the group formed Temple Beth Torah, a conservative synagogue with its own Hebrew School. With 300 Jewish families in West Roxbury, the congregation moved into the original building on Corey Street, engaged Rabbi Oscar Bookspan and Cantor Simon Erdman as spiritual leaders, added a new sanctuary, and flourished into the 1960s. In 1970, Temple Beth Hillel left its historic building in Mattapan and merged with Beth Torah to become Temple Hillel B'nai Torah. Many of the historic plaques, the Torah scrolls, and Torah reading table in the sanctuary are mementos of the Mattapan congregation. While the temple reached its peak in the late 1970s, demographic trends in the City of Boston led to a decline in membership in the 1980s. Rabbi Bookspan retired in 1986 and was followed by Rabbi Eliot Somers who served the congregation for several years. During that time, a small group of young families created the West Roxbury Chavurah, which was invited to meet at HBT. In 1995, members of the Chavurah, who were up-and-coming temple leaders, joined together with the senior members of the temple to search for a rabbi to bring together the diverse membership of the congregation. The same year that Rabbi Barbara Penzner took on the mantle of leadership, the Chaverim School opened its doors as the first Hebrew School at HBT in ten years. Since that time, individuals and families from across Greater Boston have found a home at HBT. This history is based on the extensive work of Sandra Serkess, who grew up in the temple. | TempleHillelBnaiTorah.MA.Logo.jpg | Temple Hillel B'nai Torah Logo | TempleHillelBnaiTorah.Avodah.jpg | TempleHillelBnaiTorah.MA.Torah.jpg | TempleHillelBnaiTorah.MA.Havurah.jpg | |||||||||||||||
| 401 | Jan 13 2012 - 7:35am | Anonymous | 190.88.165.20 | United Congregation Mikvé Israel-Emanuel | Curaçao | Dutch Caribbean | Ron Gomes-Casseres | 1651 | President: Rene Levy Maduro Vice President: Greggory Moreno Secretary: Daniela Cohen Henriquez Treasurer: Robert Moron Assessor: Anthony da Costa Gomez Director: Brenda Campbell Director: Christine Cheis Spiritual Leader: Hazzan Avery Tracht Chairman, Board of Elders: Ron Gomes-Casseres | The first Jew to arrive in Curaçao was Samuel Cohen. He served as an interpreter on board the Dutch fleet under the command of Johan van Walbeeck, which conquered the island from the Spanish in 1634. A few years later, in 1651, Joao d’Ylan brought 10 to 12 Jewish families from the Amsterdam Portuguese community to Curaçao and established Congregation Mikvé Israel in that same year. A second group of settlers followed in 1659 under the patronage of Isaac da Costa and brought with them on loan from the Amsterdam Synagogue one of our first Torahs, probably from the 14th century, still used today in the Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue. These settlers were originally from Spain and Portugal; they had fled the Inquisition and found refuge first in Holland, then in Northern Brazil and later on in Curaçao. The first settlers had consecrated a house of worship on Plantation De Hoop, as well as in 1659 the historic Beth Haim cemetery. But when the Jews moved to town they consecrated a first synagogue in town (1674). This original synagogue was replaced three times with larger buildings and in 1703 they built their first synagogue, on the same site where our current synagogue stands today. When this house of worship became too small to house the flourishing Jewish community of Curaçao, they tore that one down to construct the current building. The architecture of the new synagogue, which was inaugurated in 1732, was modeled after the ‘Esnoga’, the Portuguese Sephardic synagogue in Amsterdam. Still in use today, our congregation’s ‘Snoa’ is the oldest synagogue in continuous use in the Americas and stands proudly in the middle of Punda, in Willemstad, Curaçao’s capital city, a UNESCO World Heritage City. Its remarkable architecture, solid mahogany interior, 18th century copper chandeliers, and sand covered floor have made it one of the most cherished monuments in Curaçao. At the turn of the nineteenth century, the Jewish Community in Curaçao was the largest, most important and wealthiest Jewish congregation in the New World. The congregation gave financial contributions to build synagogues and consecrate cemeteries in new communities in the hemisphere such as in Newport (Rhode Island), New York (New York), Kingston (Jamaica), St. Eustatius (Netherlands Antilles), Philadelphia (Pennsylvania), Charleston (South Carolina), Rio Hacha (Colombia), St. Thomas (Virgin Islands), and Panama. The Jews who arrived in Curaçao centuries ago were of Sephardic descent and followed orthodox rituals and customs. Years of living in fear of persecution and migrating in search of a new home undoubtedly had its effects on the customs and rituals which the newly formed Congregation Mikvé Israel developed in the early days. In the middle of the nineteenth century these rituals were being questioned by a portion of the community. They wanted to introduce music and more liberal rituals. Finally, fueled also by competitive-commercial interests, a third of the congregation started its own congregation in 1864 which followed the principles of the Reform movement in the United Kingdom and Germany. They built the magnificent Tempel Emanuel, and consecrated their own cemetery at Berg Altena. Exactly 100 years later the congregations united and formed United Congregation Mikvé Israel-Emanuel. The United Congregation chose to follow the rituals of, and affiliate with, the Reconstructionist Federation of America in 1966. It allowed preserving some of the historical and traditional customs of both Congregations. In 2000, Congregation Mikvé Israel-Emanuel adapted its rituals once again, becoming fully egalitarian in religious services. Often referred to as the ‘Mother Congregation of the Americas’, United Congregation Mikvé Israel-Emanuel in Curaçao is the oldest active Jewish congregation in the Americas. Unlike many other early Jewish communities in the region, the congregation in Curaçao has remained active throughout the centuries. The history of our people is testimony to our deep roots in Curaçao and continued commitment to our Jewish heritage. | CongregationMikveIsraelEmanuel.Curacao.PortEntrance | Curaçao's port entrance with typical Dutch architecture from the 18th to the 20th century | CongregationMikveIsraelEmanuel.Curacao.Exterior.1 | An artistic view of Curaçao's 1732 synagogue, lovingly referred at as "our Snoa | CongregationMikveIsraelEmanuel.Curacao. | CongregationMikveIsraelEmanuel.Curacao. | CongregationMikveIsraelEmanuel.Curacao. | CongregationMikveIsraelEmanuel.Curacao. | CongregationMikveIsraelEmanuel.Curacao. | |||||||||||
| 402 | Jan 13 2012 - 7:57am | Anonymous | 190.88.165.20 | United Congregation Mikvé Israel-Emanuel | Curaçao | Dutch Caribbean | Ron Gomes-Casseres | 1651 | President: Rene Levy Maduro Vice President: Greggory Moreno Secretary: Daniela Cohen Henriquez Treasurer: Robert Moron Assessor: Anthony da Costa Gomez Director: Brenda Campbell Director: Christine Cheis Spiritual Leader: Hazzan Avery Tracht Chairman, Board of Elders: Ron Gomes-Casseres | The first Jew to arrive in Curaçao was Samuel Cohen. He served as an interpreter on board the Dutch fleet under the command of Johan van Walbeeck, which conquered the island from the Spanish in 1634. A few years later, in 1651, Joao d’Ylan brought 10 to 12 Jewish families from the Amsterdam Portuguese community to Curaçao and established Congregation Mikvé Israel in that same year. A second group of settlers followed in 1659 under the patronage of Isaac da Costa and brought with them on loan from the Amsterdam Synagogue one of our first Torahs, probably from the 14th century, still used today in the Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue. These settlers were originally from Spain and Portugal; they had fled the Inquisition and found refuge first in Holland, then in Northern Brazil and later on in Curaçao. The first settlers had consecrated a house of worship on Plantation De Hoop, as well as in 1659 the historic Beth Haim cemetery. But when the Jews moved to town they consecrated a first synagogue in town (1674). This original synagogue was replaced three times with larger buildings and in 1703 they built their first synagogue, on the same site where our current synagogue stands today. When this house of worship became too small to house the flourishing Jewish community of Curaçao, they tore that one down to construct the current building. The architecture of the new synagogue, which was inaugurated in 1732, was modeled after the ‘Esnoga’, the Portuguese Sephardic synagogue in Amsterdam. Still in use today, our congregation’s ‘Snoa’ is the oldest synagogue in continuous use in the Americas and stands proudly in the middle of Punda, in Willemstad, Curaçao’s capital city, a UNESCO World Heritage City. Its remarkable architecture, solid mahogany interior, 18th century copper chandeliers, and sand covered floor have made it one of the most cherished monuments in Curaçao. At the turn of the nineteenth century, the Jewish Community in Curaçao was the largest, most important and wealthiest Jewish congregation in the New World. The congregation gave financial contributions to build synagogues and consecrate cemeteries in new communities in the hemisphere such as in Newport (Rhode Island), New York (New York), Kingston (Jamaica), St. Eustatius (Netherlands Antilles), Philadelphia (Pennsylvania), Charleston (South Carolina), Rio Hacha (Colombia), St. Thomas (Virgin Islands), and Panama. The Jews who arrived in Curaçao centuries ago were of Sephardic descent and followed orthodox rituals and customs. Years of living in fear of persecution and migrating in search of a new home undoubtedly had its effects on the customs and rituals which the newly formed Congregation Mikvé Israel developed in the early days. In the middle of the nineteenth century these rituals were being questioned by a portion of the community. They wanted to introduce music and more liberal rituals. Finally, fueled also by competitive-commercial interests, a third of the congregation started its own congregation in 1864 which followed the principles of the Reform movement in the United Kingdom and Germany. They built the magnificent Tempel Emanuel, and consecrated their own cemetery at Berg Altena. Exactly 100 years later the congregations united and formed United Congregation Mikvé Israel-Emanuel. The United Congregation chose to follow the rituals of, and affiliate with, the Reconstructionist Federation of America in 1966. It allowed preserving some of the historical and traditional customs of both Congregations. In 2000, Congregation Mikvé Israel-Emanuel adapted its rituals once again, becoming fully egalitarian in religious services. Often referred to as the ‘Mother Congregation of the Americas’, United Congregation Mikvé Israel-Emanuel in Curaçao is the oldest active Jewish congregation in the Americas. Unlike many other early Jewish communities in the region, the congregation in Curaçao has remained active throughout the centuries. The history of our people is testimony to our deep roots in Curaçao and continued commitment to our Jewish heritage. | CongregationMikveIsraelEmanuel.Curacao | Curaçao's port entrance with typical Dutch architecture | CongregationMikveIsraelEmanuel.Curacao.Exterior.1 | An artistic view of the 1732 Snoa | CongregationMikveIsraelEmanuel.Curacao.Exterior.2 | The 1732 Snoa reaching up to the heavens | CongregationMikveIsraelEmanuel.Curacao.TempleEmanu-El | The home of the ertswhile Reform Congregation from 1866 to 1966 | CongregationMikveIsraelEmanuel.Curacao.Interior | The Tebah and Bima looking towards the Eychal inside the Snoa | CongregationMikveIsraelEmanuel.Curacao.1716Channukiah | The 1716 Channukiah is still lit every Chanukah | CongregationMikveIsraelEmanuel.Curacao.CantorsConcert | A Cantors' Concert was one of the many events celebrating the Congregation's 350th anniversary in 2001 | ||||||
| 403 | Jan 13 2012 - 10:11am | Anonymous | 74.92.126.138 | Tzedek v'Shalom | Newtown | Pennsylvania | B Vitek | President: Jerry Manas Vice President: Open Secretary: Cindy Weiss-Fisher Treasurer: Steve Pastor | Tzedek v’Shalom (TvS) is a welcoming, spiritual, and growing Reconstructionist Jewish congregation in Bucks County, PA. At TvS, music and creativity are as much a part of our community as prayer and learning. We are an inclusive congregation dedicated to the integration of spiritual life and the pursuit of social justice. With a focus on building community, we create services and life cycle events that embrace Jewish traditions along with contemporary Jewish expression that enrich our lives. We embrace Jewish learning, art, dance, music, meditation, literature, and ritual. We respect diverse views and encourage open dialogue about issues that are relevant to us today. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 404 | Jan 13 2012 - 10:17am | Anonymous | 74.92.126.138 | Temple Beth Shalom | Mechanicsburg | Pennsylvania | B Vitek | President: David Golberg First Vice President: Ira Beckerman Second Vice President: Mort Rubenstein Treasurer: Alan Greenblatt Corresponding Secretary: Myrna Rubenstein Recording Secretary: Carol Hillman Past President: Neal Rudnick | Temple Beth Shalom is a warm, welcoming, and spirited community reflecting the rich diversity of the American Jewish community at large. We come together from varied Jewish backgrounds, including Reform, Reconstructionist, Conservative and Orthodox, and welcome interfaith families, blended families, and individuals of all ages, races and sexual orientation. Our strength lies in the energy, participation and commitment of our members who work together to shape who we are. Our congregation has about 80 families and continues to grow. We believe our members play a vital role in developing and contributing to spiritual leadership. Our size allows us to have intimate and meaningful services, frequently led by our members. Whether led by clergy or laypersons, our services are lively and engaging, melding tradition with contemporary ideas, and where music and warmth intertwine with prayer and study. Temple Beth Shalom is more than a congregation – we are a community of friends that cares about each other, supporting you through tough times and rejoicing with you during simchas, or joyful events. Our History On October 17, 1970, TBS founder Metz Kranzel placed an ad in the Harrisburg Patriot-News asking if any readers might be interested in a synagogue on the West Shore of Harrisburg. The respondents met in December and later received permission to use Christ Presbyterian Church for Jewish worship. The first Shabbat service was held on April 23, 1971 with Rabbi David Ben-Ami as spiritual leader. In 1974, the Kranzel family donated land to build a synagogue outside Mechanicsburg. The Temple building was largely constructed by TBS members and dedicated in October, 1974. From the outset, our synagogue was built to accommodate worship, a religious school, community events and offices. Temple Beth Shalom affiliated with the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation in 1982. In 1990, the congregation engaged Rabbi Carl Choper, who served our congregation through May, 2006. Rabbi Jordi Gendra-Molina has led the congregation since July 2006. In 2003 our sanctuary was renovated with the architectural and planning skills of TBS member Ted Brandow. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 405 | Jan 13 2012 - 10:24am | Anonymous | 74.92.126.138 | Havurat Tikvah | Charlotte | North Carolina | B Vitek | Havurat Tikvah is the Reconstructionist Congregation of Charlotte, N.C. We are a diverse group of families, singles, Jewish and interfaith couples, children and adults who study, share joys and sorrows, celebrate Shabbat and the holidays together and participate in projects that promote social justice. We highlight member participation and leadership in our services, our spiritual growth and our governance.As someone once described us: “The Havurah is like being with all your favorite relatives.” | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 406 | Jan 13 2012 - 10:41am | Anonymous | 74.92.126.138 | Congregation Am Haskalah | Allentown | Pennsylvania | B Vitek | President Sue Wolper Vice President Didi Yunginger Treasurer Izzy Studzienko Corresponding Secretary Gale Malesky Recording Secretary Paula Tahler | Congregation Am Haskalah offers a creative, participatory approach to Judaism, blending tradition with innovation. We believe the past has a vote but not a veto. I knew from my first service that this is where we belonged — that here was a group of Jews who cared deeply about their religion and about each other. (Cary Oshins) Am Haskalah welcomes members from diverse life situations, backgrounds, political and religious perspectives. Each person brings to the community unique talents and needs. Individuals choose levels of involvement with which they feel comfortable. For me, Am Haskalah is wonderfully diverse, creative and traditional — all at the same time. (Gale Maleskey) Members of Am Haskalah are not mere observers, but have the opportunity to participate actively at the very center of Jewish communal life. Reconstructionism, based on the ideas of Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan, is for both intellectuals and mysticists and for both those who see Judaism as a religious community or a community that goes beyond religion. Kaplan understood Judaism to be an "evolving religious civilization." | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 407 | Jan 13 2012 - 10:49am | Anonymous | 74.92.126.138 | Or Hadash | Fort Washington | Pennsylvania | B Vitek | 1983 | Or Hadash is a vibrant and diverse community that is committed to promoting the many facets of our evolving Jewish civilization. We strive to create a warm and welcoming home where all members are accepted and valued. Through our commitment to the principles of Reconstructionist Judaism, we promote and encourage opportunities for study, prayer, cultural and artistic expression, and acts of tikkun olam, or repairing the world. Or Hadash’s home is the historic Fairwold Estate just off Camp Hill Road in Fort Washington, PA, Montgomery County. Our community prides itself on being informal, comfortable, and supportive of a wide range of religious backgrounds, practices, and beliefs. Under the leadership of Rabbi Joshua Waxman and our Religious School Director, Lori Rubin, our congregation continues to grow while maintaining the warmth and intimacy that are its hallmarks. Our mission is: To be a welcoming synagogue community that meets the religious, educational, cultural, and social needs of its members through the principles of Reconstructionist Judaism and the active involvement of its members. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 408 | Jan 13 2012 - 10:55am | Anonymous | 74.92.126.138 | Ann Arbor Reconstructionist Havurah | Ann Arbor | Michigan | B Vitek | 1993 | The Ann Arbor Reconstructionist Havurah was founded in 1993. For many years we met in members’ homes for services, discussions and celebrations. At that time, services were lay led, and leadership rotated around the membership. Decisions were made by consensus of the entire membership -- which consisted of about 20 people. Dues were $36 per year. Those were the good old days, but these are the even better days. We’ve grown a lot; settled down in the Jewish Community Center; started a school for our kids; celebrated weddings, births, adoptions and bar and bat mitzvahs; expanded from once a month services to a wide range of activities; created a truly innovative project called the Progressive Jewish Giving Fund; formalized our organizational structure; and grown thankfully accustomed to great service leading. OK, I guess we all miss the $36 annual dues, but we’re still driven much more by volunteer energy than by paid staff. If there’s one thing that defines the spirit of our group, it’s community and participation. And yes, that is one thing, because if there isn’t participation, there isn’t community. We can each participate in our own way: leading a discussion or sharing an idea, teaching a song or singing along, organizing an event or just showing up. The Havurah isn’t a building; we don’t even have one. The Havurah is us. And you are most welcome to join! | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 409 | Jan 13 2012 - 11:13am | Anonymous | 74.92.126.138 | Congregation B'nai Tikvah | Mason | Ohio | B Vitek | Rabbi Bruce Adler Education Director Rabbi Donna G Adler President David Fine Secretary Barry Austern Treasurer Gordon Horn Financial Secretary Mitch Balish Membership Chair Sherri Gordon Membership Stephanie Schlagel | Every Voice is Important Our community of about 75 households is made up of individuals, couples and families, children and seniors, multi-racial families, interfaith families, members of all different Jewish backgrounds, and those who have chosen Judaism on their own. We are a "People's Shul," firmly committed to making decisions in accordance with democratic process. We respect tradition, but we are not afraid to question it. We embrace the Reconstructionist position that tradition has a vote, but not a veto. We favor flexibility over dogmatism. Nothing is carved in stone except our desire to build as outstanding a congregation as possible. We are eclectic in our openness to all teachings and practices, regardless of denomination, which nurture the experience of being part of a Jewish community and enhance our members' sense of spiritual fulfillment. We gather regularly to observe the Sabbath and Jewish holidays, to study and to celebrate together. We support one another in times of sorrow and rejoice in each other's gladness. We actively engage in tikkun olom - the involvement in community affairs and translation of the Torah's teachings into concrete deeds of service in the world. We do not believe that one religion is superior to another or that one people is superior to another. But we are deeply committed to the continuation of the Jewish People, the maintenance of Jewish life, and the belief in a universal God. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 410 | Jan 13 2012 - 11:37am | Anonymous | 74.92.126.138 | Congregation Dor Hadash | Pittsburgh | Pennsylvania | B Vitek | Early 1960's | Congregation Dor Hadash (New Generation) was formed in the early 1960's as a prayer and study group and has been an affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation since 1969. Voluntarism and active participation are central to the religious, educational, and cultural life of the congregation. We are committed to providing our members with the opportunity for spiritual growth, life-long learning, prayer services, holiday celebrations, life cycle rituals, member support, and community belonging. Through our services, religious school, and celebrations, we fulfill the commandment to teach our children their Jewish heritage and to engage them in an evolving Jewish civilization. Our congregation is welcoming, egalitarian, and inclusive. Our congregants are Jews by birth or by choice; they are single or part of family units; they include people of different sexual orientations and gender identities; and they live in households that are of the same or different faiths. Our services and other activities integrate a deep respect for traditional Judaism, including its music, with the insights and intentionality of contemporary social, intellectual, and spiritual life. Through our religious practices and our dedication to tikkun olam (repairing the world) and gemilut chasadim (loving kindness), we express reverence for the sacred in the world. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 411 | Jan 13 2012 - 11:41am | Anonymous | 74.92.126.138 | Congregation Dorshei Emet | Quebec | Canada | B Vitek | 1960 | Immediate Past President Sharron Schwartz President Sara Saber Freedman 1st Vice-President Roger Antebi 2nd Vice-President Rosana Caplan 3rd Vice-President To be announced Secretary Brian Gelfand Treasurer Uzi Witkowski Parnass Menahem Barsheshat | The original synagogue community created by Lavy Becker in 1960 was more like a havurah. Lavy volunteered to lead services and speak occasionally on Shabbat mornings, leaving members many opportunities to organize and lead services, give Divrei Torah and plan whatever communal diners, activities or study they desired. This continued until 1976 when Rabbi Ron Aigen, one of the early graduates of the RRC was hired as the first professional clergy. The congregation, which had just completed an extension to its 1967 building, grew over the next several decades from under 180 households to over 350. Along with the growth of adult study groups, youth and children’s programs, and many cultural events, the congregation’s committee structure and office support staff also grew. In 1999 the rabbi led the congregation in a building project in order to fulfill the vision of creating the EMET Centre for Spirituality (Emunah) Ethics (Musar) and Culture (Tarbut). The new building was completed in 2002 and stands on the same site as the original building. Today the congregation is approaching 500 households and continues to inspire the same values of participatory Judaism and the creation of a warm, caring community that the founders envisioned. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 412 | Jan 13 2012 - 12:00pm | Anonymous | 74.92.126.138 | Chavurah B'Yachad | Salt Lake City | Utah | Michael Robinson | 1986 | When we founded Chavurah B’Yachad in 1986, our members had a vision of what a congregation could be: a participatory setting for the exploration of our Jewish roots and carrying forward of our traditions, a forum for intellectual and spiritual growth, an extended family to celebrate life cycle events. We are a congregation of thirty families, including some of those founding members who led our 25th anniversary celebration in June 2011. We hold services in the lovely Pepper Chapel at Congregation Kol Ami. Rabbi Michael Ross travels to Salt Lake City from his home in Philadelphia several times each year to lead our services and enrich our community. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 413 | Jan 13 2012 - 12:10pm | Anonymous | 74.92.126.138 | Congregation Beth Evergreen | Evergreen | CO | Michael Robinson | 1974 | Congregation Beth Evergreen was founded in 1974 when Bernie Goldman, a recent transplant from Long Island, NY, put a small article in the Canyon Courier asking if there were other Jews in the area who wanted to celebrate the High Holidays with him. Perhaps a dozen people joined him then, and the ball was rolling. From that beginning, the group held monthly services and holiday observances in member’s homes. As the group grew too large for living rooms, services were moved to the old Greystone Castle on Upper Bear Creek Road. Then, through the gracious support of Reverend Dr. Dick Vickery and his congregation, CBE shared the building of the United Methodist Church of Evergreen for ten years. Along the way, members did everything from planning and conducting services to creating holiday observances, such as Passover Seders and Purim Balls. We eventually started a Religious School through volunteer efforts. As the needs of the congregation grew, the congregational leadership sought the assistance of professional educators and clergy on a part-time or volunteer basis. During the late 1990's, the continued growth of the congregation led the congregation to seek our first Rabbi. In 1997 we engaged Rabbi Eliot Baskin, D.Min. who was engaged first on a quarter-time basis, growing to a half-time basis (in addition to his position as Denver Community Chaplain at Jewish Family Services of Denver). Rabbi Baskin was with us until August of 2004. In the spring of 2004, the Board of Trustees, after considerable discussion and input from the congregation, made the commitment to move forward and hire a full-time rabbi. The search continued through spring of 2005 when Rabbi Benjamin ‘Jamie’ Arnold was hired as Congregration Beth Evergreen’s first full-time Rabbi. He joined the congregation in July, 2005. In 2008 the congregation signed a seven-year contract with Rabbi Arnold. Over the years, our congregation has been blessed with a wealth of talented musicians and singers. Since 1997 we have had musical leadership from recording artists Steven Brodsky (CDs with band Mah Tovu include Only This and Turn It), Cantor Robbi Sherwin (CDs include Aish HaKodesh and Todah LaChem), Hal Aqua (CDs with band Los Lantzmun One World and Take a Trip to Lantzville), and Daniel Stellini (CD is First Light). Two past cantorial soloists: Brett Krichiver and Alissa Stanton have gone on to Rabbinic school! Members of our congregation are immensely talented as well and inspire us their musical support. While employing a Rabbi, executive director, religious school director and educators as part of the Congregation Beth Evergreen team, the tradition of member participation and volunteerism continues today. See the "participate" section of this site for more info on all of the active committees in the congregation. After 31 years as an unaffiliated congregation, in June 2005 Beth Evergreen made the decision to affiliate with the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation. Today, Congregation Beth Evergreen has 200 member families and offers a Jewish home for all Jews in the Mountain communities west of Denver. As we grow, we remain committed to fostering a strong sense of community by offering opportunities to participate in meaningful worship, pursue the spiritual, and engage in lifelong Jewish education. Our progressive, egalitarian approach to Jewish practice encourages participation in the celebration of religious, life cycle, and communal events, regardless of an individual’s history or personal relationship with Judaism. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 414 | Jan 13 2012 - 12:11pm | Jennifer Glowacki | 74.92.126.138 | Congregation Beth El | Bennington | Vermont | Jenn G :) | 1909 | President: Lance Allen Wang Vice President: Libby Harris Treasurer: Rich Lowenthal Secretary: Jennifer Burt Members At Large: Steve Fogel Alan Greenspan Paul Hendler Peter Just Ellie Roden Peter Rubin | Congregation Beth El began in 1909 when the Hebrew Congregation of Bennington was founded to promote friendly relationships among Jewish residents of the town and eventually to erect a synagogue. July 29, 1923 brought the culmination of a quarter century of concerted effort with the dedication of the new synagogue at the corner of North and Adams Streets. Widely covered by the press, the dedication not only marked the formal opening of a new house of worship but demonstrated the community feeling of the town and state, with those in attendance including the pastors of the local community churches and the Lieutenant Governor. The community thrived for many years, but by the 1980's the demographics of the community had changed and the synagogue fell into disuse and disrepair. A concerted effort began to rebuild the community and renovate the building, and with the hard work and dedication of a small group, the synagogue again blossomed. The congregation became affiliated with the Jewish Reconstructionist movement and Rabbi Howard Cohen became the community's first full-time rabbi in decades. Rabbi Cohen stepped down after many years and Rabbi Joshua Boettiger joined the community as its spiritual leader, having served earlier as the congregation's first rabbinic intern. Congregation Beth El is now in its second century serving the community, drawing membership from the Vermont, Massachusetts and New York. The congregation offers a wide range of spiritual and educational programs, including weekly meditation, Shabbat and holiday services, a Judaism school, films and lectures, and teen and adult programs. Our monthly Green Mountain Shabbat offers a variety of classes, worship and programs in Tikkun Olam--"healing the world." Our First Friday events offer musical services for families. Congregation Beth El offers monthly dinners for those in the wider community in need, and is active in the Bennington Interfaith Council, including its work with the Bennington Food and Fuel Fund and the Bennington Free Clinic. An annual retreat and periodic congregation trips to Israel suggest the range of activities, truly remarkable for community so small. We cherish our past and look forward with hope to our future, and thank all whose support and commitment have helped ensure our continued presence. | CongregationBethEl.VT.Logo.jpg | CongregationBethEl.VT.Exterior.jpg | Congregation Beth El | |||||||||||||||||
| 415 | Jan 13 2012 - 12:19pm | Anonymous | 74.92.126.138 | Congregation Dor Hadash | San Diego | CA | Michael Robinson | 1983 | Steve Florman, President Dave Wertlieb, 1st Vice President Cynthia Sistek-Chandler, 2nd Vice President Marilyn Scheininger, Treasurer Anita Peterson, Secretary Marcia Berneger, Trustee Max Greene, Student Trustee Philip Haness, Trustee Judy Hante, Trustee Susanne Scherman, Trustee Dave Wertlieb, Past President | Congregation Dor Hadash offers its members a community-based environment in which to learn, pray and make friends. We are a congregation that depends upon and values the input of all of our members. Dor Hadash is a warm and welcoming community; our doors are open to all – singles, marrieds, gays, lesbians, interracial, interfaith. We are a diverse and varied group of people from all walks of life. In 1983 Rabbi Ron Herstik and a small group of like-minded people established Congregation Dor Hadash as the first Reconstructionist presence in San Diego County, as it remains to this day. In 1984, proudly naming ourselves Dor Hadash, meaning New Generation, we looked ahead to a new kind of American Judaism for our children and ourselves. Our goal was to establish a community far beyond the traditional "brick and mortar" concept. The havurot were developed around common interests, but more importantly established significant and meaningful interpersonal connections. These small groups would form a solid foundation for the larger centralized community. Our affiliation with the Reconstructionist movement met our need of blending tradition with an ever-changing secular world. We began meeting in our members’ homes and then worshipping in rented church spaces in Pacific Beach and La Jolla. Our education program also spent a number of years in living rooms and then rented classrooms at the JCC. Our office space moved from Rabbi Herstik’s living room to a small office suite on Miramar Road. Beth Faber joined us early on as our Cantorial Soloist. In 1994, Leon Natker succeeded Beth as our Cantorial Soloist and served in that capacity for the next 11 years. Rabbi Herstik remained our spiritual leader for 13 years and oversaw our move into our current congregational home on a quiet cul-de-sac in Kearny Mesa in 1994. Rabbi Alexis Roberts (Pearce) became our spiritual leader in 1996 and served us for the following nine years. Rabbi Yaffa-Shira Sultan succeeded her and served the community from July 2005 through June 2010. In August of 2010, Dor Hadash welcomed Rabbi Yael Ridberg as its new rabbi. Within our current space, enhanced by the hands of many members, from the building of the Ark to the cabinets in the kitchen, to the Jerusalem-like feel of our sanctuary walls, we proudly placed our rescued Torah which we acquired in 1986 and is on permanent loan to us. It is from Czechoslovakia and was to be part of a Nazi museum about the extinct race of Jews. This Torah is a constant reminder that we survive. From its inception, life long learning has been one of the primary goals of Congregation Dor Hadash. Our founding members wanted a different and creative approach to education for their children and also wanted to be involved in that learning. Many of our families were from interfaith families and the school accepted whatever background knowledge parents had. We believed that by involving parents in their children’s education, we would be enhancing Judaism throughout the generations. Rabbi Herstik and founding member Andrea Glasser worked together to hire and train teachers, and a more formal school began in 1989 called Gesher (Bridge) School. In 1993, Barbara Carr, a teacher in the program, was hired to succeed Andrea as Education Director. In 1995 Barbara was awarded the JRF Master Teacher award and in January 2006 the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation recognized Gesher School as a model for Reconstructionist education. Betsy Schneider joined Dor Hadash in the summer of 2008 and is Gesher School's Education Director. As Congregation Dor Hadash has changed during the last 28 years, Rabbi Herstik, Rabbi Roberts and Rabbi Sultan helped move us along in our understanding of the Reconstructionist movement and our place in it. We are thrilled as we continue this journey with Rabbi Ridberg as we carry on our mission to inspire exploration of Jewish spirituality and create a caring, Jewish community. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 416 | Jan 13 2012 - 12:24pm | Anonymous | 74.92.126.138 | Havurat Olam | Tarzana | CA | Michael Robinson | Jerome Blatz, President | We are a very small havurah with 10 households. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 417 | Jan 13 2012 - 12:26pm | Anonymous | 74.92.126.138 | Congregation Kol Emet | Yardley | Pennsylvania | B vitek | 1984 | Melody Katz President Chuck Weiner Vice President Andrew Finkle Vice President Eric Schwartz Treasurer Randi Davis Board Secretary | Congregation Kol Emet, founded in 1984 as a Reconstructionist synagogue, is committed to the growth of a spiritually and intellectually engaging Judaism. Our congregation is not unlike your own family. We are young and senior, single and married, and traditional as well as interfaith. Like your family, we are dedicated to providing a secure foundation for our children and adolescents by keeping them close and involved with a relevant Judaism. Over the years, we have pooled our talents, knowledge, and ideas to create a meaningful center for Judaism in Yardley and the surrounding communities. Rabbi Howard Cove and the families of Kol Emet welcome you to share the great enthusiasm and energy. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 418 | Jan 13 2012 - 12:30pm | Anonymous | 74.92.126.138 | Or Zarua Havurah | Berkeley | CA | Michael Robinson | The Reconstructionist Havurah of the East Bay We hold services at the Berkeley Friends' Meeting, 2151 Vine at Walnut, Berkeley,CA | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 419 | Jan 13 2012 - 12:32pm | Anonymous | 74.92.126.138 | Mayim Rabim Reconstructionist Congregation | Minneapolis | Minnesota | B Vitek | 1992 | Mayim Rabim Reconstructionist Congregation, founded in 1992, is affiliated with the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation. We are an urban Jewish community that comprises people of diverse ages, abilities, sexual orientations, cultural backgrounds, and financial resources. It is our mission to create and sustain spaces that enhance the practice of Judaism in the contemporary world; to that end, we are a house of prayer, of study, and tikkun olam (the repair of the world). As Reconstructionists, we view Judaism as an evolving religious civilization and claim a shared heritage with all Jews. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 420 | Jan 13 2012 - 12:34pm | Anonymous | 74.92.126.138 | Chico Havurah | Chico | CA | Michael Robinson | Liahna Gordon, President | We are a small Havurah with 15 member households. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 421 | Jan 13 2012 - 12:38pm | Anonymous | 74.92.126.138 | University Synagogue | Irvine | CA | Michael Robinson | 1987 | President – Richard D. Fybel Executive Vice President – Sari Schreiber Secretary – Eric Blum Treasurer – Mike Krahelski Past President – Lisa Metzger VP Membership - Susie Rothfeder VP Education – Natalye Black VP Socal Action/Tikkun Olam – Anita Mishook VP Activities – Terry McDonald | At University Synagogue, our mission is to be a center of innovative and dynamic Judaism. If you are looking for an open atmosphere in which you can learn, celebrate and experience Judaism fully, you will find University Synagogue both comfortable and meaningful. We are committed to reaching out to all who are interested in Judaism, including interfaith couples and anyone in search of a modern, rational and joyous approach to Jewish life. University Synagogue was founded by a group of men and women who wanted a more meaningful synagogue experience. We wanted a philosophy that shared our values and we found in Reconstructionism a form of Judaism that mirrored our deepest hopes for our lives. Since its founding, our congregation has grown rapidly, from 8 households to over 600, and we continue to grow. We have a dynamic Rabbi, an inspiring Cantor, and wonderful educators who lead our Pre-School and Religious School. Embodying a sense of community, we kindle spirituality and foster intellectual challenge while broadening the boundaries of modern Jewish life. We welcome all who want a deeply satisfying Jewish experience, offering a full range of programs centered on our continual striving to learn and understand ourselves as Jews and as part of all humanity. At University Synagogue, we call ourselves a congregation, but we think of ourselves as an extended family - an authentic caring community. What unites us is a love of tradition and a desire for innovation. We do what Jews have always done; we weave the beauty of our heritage with the scientific and philosophical truths that we have learned in our lives. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 422 | Jan 13 2012 - 12:43pm | Jennifer Glowacki | 74.92.126.138 | Congregation Kehilat Shalom | Belle Mead | New Jersey | Jenn G :) | 1982 | President: Stacey Anderson First Vice President: Susan Waskow Second Vice President: Iris Rubinstein Treasurer: Debbie Gartenberg Recording Secretary: Debbie Tesser Financial Secretary: Steve Weinstein Trustees: Mark Goldhammer Gary Gartenberg, MD Micahel Galkin Robert Neusner Len Edelstein Ron Lubin | Congregation Kehilat Shalom of Montgomery is a Reconstructionist synagogue dedicated to serving the spiritual, educational, cultural and social needs of a diverse congregation while maintaining a unique and vibrant Jewish presence in central New Jersey. Congregation Kehilat Shalom was initially founded as the Jewish Community Center of Belle Mead by four families in 1982. This core group, which quickly grew to eighteen families, consisted of farmers, doctors, teachers, artists, mechanics, and managers. They were seeking a local Jewish identity and an alternative to the large, impersonal synagogues in the area. In joining together, they created an intimate and loving spirit of unity. During those early years, they met in various locations, including the Montgomery First Aid Squad building, the Burnt Hill Road Elementary School, and in their own private homes. Finally, in 1986, after considerable growth, our own building on Belle Mead-Griggstown Road was purchased. After much soul-searching and discussion, it was decided in 1989 to affiliate with the Reconstructionist Movement, as our beliefs were most aligned with its philosophies. That same year we hired our first full-time rabbi, Shana Margolin, who expanded our religious, educational, cultural, and social programs. Under the leadership of Rabbi Michael Tayvah, we changed our name to Congregation Kehilat Shalom in 2006. In 2007, we welcomed Rabbi Susan Falk. We are a congregation of over 100 families with an active religious school. We also operate Kindercapers, a non-sectarian Nursery school. We remain committed to the ideals of our founders: being a warm, friendly, unpretentious, caring, creative, stimulating congregation, in which all are welcome. In addition to our services, we offer programs such as Religious School (K-7), B'nai Mitzvah Training, post B'nei Mitzvah "Kehi-Loft", Adult Education, a non-sectarian pre-school Kindercapers, our temple Choir Kol Ahava and Sunday Morning Café. Congregation Kehilat Shalom is a welcoming Reconstructionist Jewish community that seeks to create an atmosphere of belonging for all its members. We strive to forge meaningful relationships with each other and with the community at large through: • Beit K’nesset/Gathering Place: Providing a warm, friendly space to pray, study, socialize, celebrate Shabbat, holidays and joyous events and to comfort each other in times of need. • Tikkun Olam/Repair of the World: Using Jewish values to pursue social justice issues of both local and global concern. • Beit Midrash/House of Study: Offering a wide range of educational opportunities for adults and children on Jewish culture, history, language, and ritual. | CongregationKehilatShalom.NJ.Logo.gif | |||||||||||||||||||
| 423 | Jan 13 2012 - 12:45pm | Anonymous | 74.92.126.138 | Congregation T'chiyah | Oak Park | Michigan | B vitek | 1977 | T'chiyah means "renaissance" in Hebrew. Congregation T'chiyah was founded in 1977 in the City of Detroit and was part of the Renaissance of the urban center. The group was formed from a chavurah, which met monthly in members' homes. Early on we rented space in the St. Mary's Community Center located in Greektown near the site of the first Jewish religious services in Detroit. When the havurah learned that the city was going to tear down the building that had once been Mogain Abraham and was known as the Farnsworth Street Shul they decided to save the contents. Although the building had been used as a Baptist church for decades some of its contents still reflected its Jewish origin. In May 1996, the congregation left the St. Mary's site and met briefly in the Wayne State University area before settling into its next meeting place, the Royal Oak Woman's Club on Fourth and Pleasant Streets (the oldest building in Royal Oak). On June 13, 2004, we moved into our beautiful new home: The David and Miriam Mondry Building in Oak Park on the JCC campus. For the first years of T'chiyah's history, we were led by our own membership. As our congregation grew in size we were joined by visiting rabbis, rabbinical students and scholars. Student rabbis over the years have included Toba Spitzer, Michael Cohen, Amber Powers, Steve Gutow, Murray Silberman, Jordi Gendra, and Donna Kirschbaum. We have been fortunate to welcome into our kehillah such notable guest rabbis as Rabbi David Teutsch, Rabbi Daniel Brenner, Rabbi Debrah Cohen, Rabbi Mordechai Leibling, and Rabbi Steve Gutow. On August 1, 2008, Rabbi Jason Miller became our first rabbi. Rabbi Miller, a native of the Metro Detroit Jewish community, has brought new programming and more learning opportunities to our congregational family. Our Shabbat services, which are both spiritual and reflective, are a shared endeavor between our rabbi and our membership. Our congregation is currently in a period of steady growth as more young families are joining our kehillah. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 424 | Jan 13 2012 - 1:38pm | Jennifer Glowacki | 74.92.126.138 | Jewish Community of Amherst | Amherst | Massachusetts | Jenn G :) | 1950s | Co-President: Guy Wood Co-President: Eli Kwartler Co-First Vice President: Ted Trobaugh Co-First Vice President: Eva Rosenn Second Vice President: Richard Cohen Treasurer: Michael Burkart | Welcome. The Jewish Community of Amherst (JCA) is a welcoming egalitarian synagogue affiliated with the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation. It is committed to offering rich spiritual, educational, and social opportunities to a diverse Jewish community in the Amherst area - from guiding our young and learning from our elders to helping improve conditions in the greater community. The Jewish Community of Amherst is dedicated to creating and maintaining an open, dynamic, spiritual and participatory membership. We believe a strong commitment to Jewish values and embracing the spiritual richness of our traditions enables our diverse community to meet the challenges of our contemporary world. We are an open and welcoming community, including members who are gay, lesbian, straight, bisexual, and transgender, single, in-married and inter-married, and of a variety of colors, backgrounds, physical abilities and economic means. Our History and Growth The JCA's growth in recent years belies its humble beginnings. Amherst's first Jewish residents arrived in the early 1900's. They were few in number, and it was not until the 1950's that the Amherst Jewish Community was established to promote social and cultural events. In 1966, the Amherst Jewish Education Committee was established to teach Hebrew and Jewish studies to the youngest members of the community. Three years later the two groups merged to create the Jewish Community of Amherst, and in 1976 the JCA purchased two buildings from the Second Congregational Church to establish a permanent home. Today, the JCA has approximately 300 member groupings-families, couples, individuals-and is still growing. | JewishCommunityofAmherst.MA.Logo.jpg | JewishCommunityofAmherst.MA.OriginalBldg.jpg | Original Building Built in 1839 | JewishCommunityofAmherst.MA.MainEntrance.jpg | Main Entrance | JewishCommunityofAmherst.MA.Sanctuary.jpg | Our Sanctuary | JewishCommunityofAmherst.MA.SmallSanct.jpg | The Small Sanctuary | |||||||||||
| 425 | Jan 13 2012 - 2:39pm | Jennifer Glowacki | 74.92.126.138 | Shir Hadash Reconstructionist Havurah | Newton Hightlands | MA | Jenn G :) | Winter 1981 | President: Rachel Adler-Golden Vice President: Madelyn Morris Vice President: Murial Gillick Secretary: Carl Lazarus Treasurers: Candy Sidner and Jane Getter | Shir Hadash is an inclusive and egalitarian havurah affiliated with the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation. We are an informal, cooperative congregation (a havurah) of about 60 households. Our members represent widely diverse backgrounds and points of view. For more than 25 years we have grown in our knowledge and understanding of Judaism, largely through teaching one another. Rabbi Audrey Marcus-Berkman enhances our Judaic learning, helps build and support our community, and enriches our member-led services. We have shaped a warm, caring community for members of all ages. We invite you to get acquainted. We meet on Shabbat mornings and for holidays from September through June in the Social Hall of the Lutheran Church of the Newtons, at the intersection of Centre and Cypress streets (1310 Centre Street), in Newton Centre, Massachusetts, convenient to the Newton Centre T stop. | ShirHadash.MA.Logo.jpg | |||||||||||||||||||
| 426 | Jan 13 2012 - 2:48pm | Jennifer Glowacki | 74.92.126.138 | Temple B'nai Abraham | Bordentown | New Jersey | Jenn G :) | 1917 | President: Robin Affrime Executive Vice President: Charlie Weiss Religious Vice President: Sid Morginstin Financial Vice President: Michael Rosen Recording Secretary: Susan Giachetti Religious School Chair: Linda Osman Membership Chair: Kim Aubry Building Chair: Eileen Gale Adult Education Chair: Brian Epstein | Who We Are Temple B'nai Abraham is a small but diverse Jewish community located in historic Bordentown, New Jersey. Our community is both progressive and traditional, enjoying a rich Jewish heritage and history. We are a Reconstructionist congregation and are open and welcoming to all who join. History Records of the Jewish community in Bordentown date back beyond the 1830's, when local Jews played an important part in the town's history. Moses Wolf, a Jewish tailor and clothing store owner, was elected mayor in 1874 and served through 1877. As the Jewish Community grew and became more active, a group of energetic residents formed the "Bordentown Hebrew Association" in 1917. Their stated intent was "to hold and maintain services for the worship of God and the promotion of good fellowship according to the tenets of the Hebrew faith." It also gave its corporation the power to build a synagogue and Hebrew school. In July of 1918, the Bordentown Hebrew Association purchased our temple - the double house at 58-60 Crosswicks Street. By that same fall, the residence was converted to a Shul, and High Holy Day services were conducted there for the first time. In December, 1918, the "Bordentown Hebrew Women's Association" was formed to serve as an auxiliary to the men's group. A Hebrew scholar from Jerusalem was hired in 1921 to serve as resident spiritual leader and Hebrew teacher. Today, the tradition continues at this same location with our temple serving as synagogue, sanctuary, community center, Hebrew school, and in some cases, the Rabbi's residence. Mission Statement Temple B'nai Abraham is a Reconstructionist congregation dedicated to creating a caring and inclusive community, and to enhancing Jewish life through learning and communal activities. We view education for ourselves and our children as fundamental to Jewish life. We do this in order to enhance our own lives as contemporary Jews and to perpetuate our bond and our children's bond to our heritage. In order to reach our goals, we recognize the need to explore and experience community from various approaches. We believe that the focused evolution of our Jewish community may occur in a beneficial manner if we endeavor to continue to provide a variety of social, religious, experiential, and educational services for our members. In doing so, we hope to develop connections to other Jewish people and Jewish communities. We strive to preserve and develop Jewish traditions by merging past and present in a spirit of democracy, participation, egalitarianism, and creative thought within a Reconstructionist framework. We endeavor to provide excellence in Jewish education. In doing, so we hope to pass on our values and traditions to future generations of Jews. It is our desire to provide a viable center of living Judaism where people can find meaning in worship. In this way we create, grow and protect connections to God, Judaism, and community. | TempleBnaiAbraham.NJ.Logo.gif | TempleBnaiAbraham.NJ.Building.jpg | Our Building | |||||||||||||||||
| 427 | Jan 13 2012 - 3:29pm | Anonymous | 50.12.180.114 | Congregation Ahavath Sholom | Great Barrington | Massachusetts | Marcy Ross | 1926 | Guy Pancer President Sandra Flannery Vice President Marty Stransky Treasurer Lisa Chamberlain Secretary | Aaron and Rose Pomerantz were the first Jewish family to settle in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, sometime before the turn of the century. By 1921, there were fifteen Jewish families, meeting for religious services at the Pomerantz home. Because their numbers were growing, they decided to search for a suitable site for a synagogue. They came upon Charlie Lee’s old carpenter shop on North Street, once a schoolhouse. Aaron Pomerantz and Ike Broverman signed a mortgage in 1921, but there were not funds for renovations. A fundraising committee was formed that came up with an original, and even spectacular idea! A group of the more musically talented members traveled the countryside every Sunday giving concerts of Yiddish and Hebrew songs. Isadore Seader was usually the soloist and was billed as the “Little Hazan.” This little group of dedicated congregants attracted many appreciative audiences and, therefore, was able to raise enough money to complete the renovations by 1922. The synagogue then successfully petitioned for a charter in 1926 and was named “Love of Peace” synagogue. There were seven founding members, some of which have descendents among our congregants today. In 1954, the synagogue adopted its current Hebrew name: “Ahavath Sholom.” From early in the shul’s history until the 1980s, Rabbi Jacob Axelrod led the congregation, and also served as Great Barrington’s kosher butcher. For many years, his shop stood next to the synagogue. After Rabbi Axelrod’s passing, the synagogue functioned with dedicated lay leadership. In the 1990s, Rabbi Bob Gluck, a graduate of the Reconstructionist Rabbinic College, became spiritual leader of the congregation, and Ahavath Sholom subsequently joined the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation. After Rabbi Gluck left the congregation, Ahavath Sholom was served by four wonderful student rabbis from RRC. In 2005, the congregation welcomed Barbara Cohen as their spiritual leader. She and her husband Mark led an ambitious program to restore and renovate the historic shul—the oldest continuously operating building of Jewish worship in Berkshire County. Like the founders of Ahavath Sholom, a fundraising committee used music as the means to accrue money for the renovations—with three years of sold-out concerts, featuring a local Klezmer band, the Knaydels, with Barbara Cohen as vocalist. Today, Congregation Ahavath Sholom is a warm and welcoming community, in which people of many backgrounds can come together to worship and explore the richness of the Jewish tradition. Members of Ahavath Sholom are not mere observers but active participants in all aspects of synagogue community life. We provide opportunities for our members to grow in knowledge in order to make informed decisions about their personal and religious lives. All are encouraged to choose a level of participation that is comfortable for them. A variety of committees provides possibilities that appeal to the interests of our diverse membership. Friday night and Saturday morning worship, festival, and High Holy Day services are participatory through congregant involvement in liturgy, Torah, music and discussion. The thoughtful guidance of our Board, the Religious and Spiritual Life committee, working hand in hand with our Spiritual Leader, reflect one of the deeply held values of Reconstructionism and Congregation Ahavath Sholom...the respectful partnership of leader and congregation in creating a healthy religious community. Inclusiveness is a central aspect of a Reconstructionist community. We welcome all Jews and those with an interest in exploring Judaism regardless of race, sexual orientation, financial ability, or prior knowledge of Judaism or the Hebrew language. We respect the interfaith backgrounds of many of our members and families and deeply appreciate the decision to commit to participation in our synagogue. Our Religious School provides a nurturing and meaningful learning environment for our children with an emphasis on creating a lifelong love of Judaism: a sense of joy, confidence, and rootedness in our religion. | AhavathSholom.MA.exterior | The restored exterior of Congregation Ahavath Sholom. | AhavathSholom.MA.Klezmerconcert | The first of three Klezmer concerts that helped fund the restoration of Ahavath Sholom's 100-year-old building. Photo by Don Victor. | AhavathSholom.MA.AdultEducationCommittee | Ahavath Sholom's Adult Education Committee, shown here, planning a 2011 Kristallnacht program. The panel discussion with Holocaust survivors drew an audience of 500. | AhavathSholom.MA.Sukkot | Spiritual Leader Barbara Cohen (at right) with members of the congregation in the shul's sukkah. | ||||||||||||
| 428 | Jan 13 2012 - 3:50pm | Anonymous | 50.12.180.114 | Congregation Ahavath Sholom | Great Barrington | Massachusetts | SEE PREVIOUS FORM; THIS JUST PROVIDES INFO ON AN ADD'L PHOTO UPLOADED. | AhavathSholom.MA.TorahStudy | Led by Spiritual Leader Barbara Cohen, up to 25 eager participants meet weekly for "Nosh and Drosh," a lively Torah study and discussion. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 429 | Jan 13 2012 - 4:27pm | Anonymous | 74.109.201.6 | Congregation Dor Hadash | Pittsburgh | PA | Leslie Hoffman | 1963 | Co-Presidents: Kathy Blee and Pam Goldman V.P. of Administration: Wendy Kobee V.P. of Ritual: Miri Rabinowitz Recording Secretary: Jean Clickner Treasurer: Harry Levinson Social Action Chair: Wendy Osher Membership Chairs: Mark Rubenstein Life Events Chair: Judy Grumet Social Events Chair: Rachel Hovne Adult Education co-Chairs: Ruth Drescher & Sarah Angrist Program co-Chairs: Dan Leger and Barbara Baumann Dor Hadash Religious School Liaison: Michael Marks Member-at-Large: Daniel Mosse Kol Editor: Donna Coufal Past President - Deane Root | Congregation Dor Hadash (New Generation) was formed in the early 1960's as a prayer and study group and has been an affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation since 1969. Volunteerism and active participation are central to the religious, educational, and cultural life of the congregation. We are committed to providing our members with the opportunity for spiritual growth, life-long learning, prayer services, holiday celebrations, life cycle rituals, member support, and community belonging. Through our services, religious school, and celebrations, we fulfill the commandment to teach our children their Jewish heritage and to engage them in an evolving Jewish civilization. As a congregation of learners, we share the goals and outlook of the Reconstructionist movement: Prayer and study as expressive and creative modes of spirituality; Torah as the continual, creative and sacred search for meaning in life; Active, egalitarian and responsible participation in the Jewish community; Mitzvot, including acts of social justice and compassion, as our obligation to hallow all life; Diverse Jewish understandings of God and the search for holiness that underlies them; Knowledgeable ties to Judaism as a religious civilization and to the land and people of Israel. Our congregation is welcoming, egalitarian, and inclusive. Our congregants are Jews by birth or by choice; they are single or part of family units; they include people of different sexual orientations and gender identities; and they live in households that are of the same or different faiths. Our services and other activities integrate a deep respect for traditional Judaism, including its music, with the insights and intentionality of contemporary social, intellectual, and spiritual life. Through our religious practices and our dedication to tikkun olam (repairing the world) and gemilut chasadim (loving kindness), we express reverence for the sacred in the world. | CongregationDorHadash.PA.AnniversaryEvent1.jpg | Congregation leaders welcome members to the 25th Anniversary Celebration for Cantor Cheryl Klein | CongregationDorHadash.PA.AnniversaryEvent2.jpg | Cantor Cheryl Klein listens to members' tributes celebrating her 25 years of service | CongregationDorHadash.PA.Ritual1.jpg | Our youngest members enjoying dreidel games at the Hanukah On Ice party | CongregationDorHadash.PA.TikkunOlam1.jpg | Dor Hadash welcomed Bhutanese refugees to our Hanukah on Ice Celebration | CongregationDorHadash.PA.TikkunOlam2.jpg | Dor Hadash members participate in Social Action programs | ||||||||||
| 430 | Jan 13 2012 - 7:56pm | Anonymous | 74.92.126.138 | Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation | Evanston | Illinois | Eve Maslin | 1964 | Board of Directors The Board of Directors is the governing body of JRC. The Board is composed of an Executive Committee and a General Board. It’s members meet monthly to discuss broad issues of budget and finance, personnel, member services, and education and social action within the context of Jewish values. The Board is elected every May by the congregation. Monthly meetings are open to all congregants wishing to attend by contacting the President in advance. JRC Board of Directors for 2011-2012 President, Freddi Greenberg Past President, Joshua Karsh Vice Presidents: Administration, Vickie Korey Development. David Tabak Operations, Lisa Pildes Education, Steve Fox Tikkun Olam, Marty Rosenheck Ritual Practices, Ann Perkins Information, Brad Moldofsky Membership, Karen Libman Treasurer, Henry Nutkevitch Secretary, Susan Witz Members-at-Large: Lisa Barbe, Linda Kaskel, Stan Cohn. Jason Osborne, David Forte, Sandy Spatz, Marge Frank, Ruth Wenger, Rick Friedman, Carla Willis, Elliot Frolichstein-Appel, Youth Member, Aaron Litoff | Welcome to JRC Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation is a 500-household congregation known for its joyful spirituality, intellectual curiosity, inclusivity, and deep commitment to social justice. We have built a highly acclaimed green building, and our rabbi has been heralded by Newsweek magazine as one of the top 25 pulpit rabbis in the United States. But most of all, JRC is about people - our members. Our congregation is as diverse as the American Jewish community, including observant and nonobservant Jews, interfaith families, blended families, people of color, gays and lesbians, believers and nonbelievers. Keep up to date with JRC by joining our email list. Click here to subscribe - you can choose to receive our Weekly Announcements, Tikkun Olam Alerts, Rabbi Rosen's Shabbat Message, and more. Our Mission & History The mission of Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation (JRC) is to create an engaged Jewish Community that practices a Judaism responsive to the times and culture in which we live - sustainable Judaism for the 21st Century. JRC has a rich and varied history, rooted in an evolving and active Judaism. We began as the first established Reconstructionist Havurah (Jewish study group of give-and-take education) in Chicago. The group soon developed into a participatory member-led congregation of singles and families, dedicated to providing innovative and egalitarian services and leadership to its community. Services were exciting and enriching, utilizing musical instruments, multi-media presentations, drama and modern dance. Social action projects, educational programs for adults, a religious school for children, and first Bar and Bat Mitzvahs evolved as the community grew. Today our membership counts more than 475 households. We have 250 children enrolled in our Early Childhood Center, religious school and youth group. From our beginning, JRC’s history has been the story of individuals coming together to form a unique congregation with a sense of intellectual integrity, moral purpose and meaningful community. It is through the combined efforts of our founders, our current officers, Rabbi, Cantor, staff, and membership that we continue to nurture and develop our original dream. | JRC.IL.Greenspace.jpg | Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation Greenspace | JRC.IL.jpg | Jewish Reconstructionist Federation | ||||||||||||||||
| 431 | Jan 13 2012 - 9:54pm | Anonymous | 74.92.126.138 | Kehilat Hanahar, 'The Little Shul by the River' | New Hope | Pennsylvania | Eve Maslin | 1994/5457 | Rabbi - Rabbi Diana Miller Shul School Director and Rabbinic Intern - Derek Rosenbaum Executive Committee President, Arthur Spector Vice Presidents, Jim Miller, Caren Franzini Secretary, Susan Fox Treasurer, Howard Parker Committee Chairs Ritual, Jim Miller Education, Sondra Dantzic Continuing Education, Arthur Spector Communications, Denise Marshall Membership, Arthur Spector Fundraising, Alison Gross, Ted Robinson Finance, Harris Steinberg, Carl Glassman Building and Grounds, Steve Fox Social Action, Marjorie Kaplan | Kehilat Hanahar, 'The Little Shul by the River', is all about the 21st century, yet grounded in tradition. Since our founding in 1994/5457 we have created a dynamic and unique synagogue and Jewish community here in the historic heart of the Delaware Valley, serving members from across Bucks County, PA and Mercer County, NJ. As a Reconstructionist congregation, we are committed to…... Practicing Judaism in a manner that is relevant to modern Jews who still desire to maintain a connection with our historic yet ever evolving civilization. Defining Judaism as more than a religion. For us it's an evolving civilization encompassing history, literature, art, music, land, and language. Building a multi-generational and diverse Jewish community. Creating in our synagogue and our vibrant community a means for affirming the ideals of our tradition, in both worship and in deed. Instructing our young and old in our history, tradition and Torah. We are lead by Rabbi Diana Miller, who succeeds our founding Rabbi, Rabbi Sandy Roth. To visit with us and to be a part of our community is an experience you will never forget. To be among our caring, stimulating and lively congregants is to bring a new dimension to Judaism. We welcome you and look forward to sharing our joy with you. Founded in 1994/5754, Kehilat HaNaHar is a Reconstructionist synagogue serving the Jewish Community of New Hope, PA and Lambertville, NJ, as well as surrounding communities. The congregation was created to provide Jews in the greater New Hope-Lambertville area with a permanent home where they practice the principles of Judaism consistent with the Reconstructionist concept. We are a congregation that strives for diversity, inclusiveness and participation. We are committed to practicing Judaism in a manner that is relevant to Jewish Americans living in the Delaware Valley, building a multi-generational and diverse Jewish community. Our shul is also dedicated to creating in our synagogue and the surrounding Jewish community a means for affirming the ideals of our tradition in worship and in deed, and instructing the young and old in our history and in the Torah. Shabbat services are held each Friday at our synagogue, located atop a wooded hillside in New Hope, PA. | KehilatHaNahar.PA.jpg | Kehilat HaNahar Building | KehilatHaNahar.PA.BellTower.jpg | Bell tower atop our circa 1840 historic building | ||||||||||||||||
| 432 | Jan 14 2012 - 8:25pm | Anonymous | 74.92.126.138 | Congregation Kol HaNeshama | Sarasota | Florida | Eve Maslin | Co-President: Kayla Niles Co-President: Toby Deutsch Vice President: Maureen Binderman Treasurer: John Niles Secretary: Ruth Brandwein | Mission Statement The mission of Congregation Kol HaNeshama, a Reconstructionist Synagogue, is to enrich the lives of its members through active participation in the three traditional core values of Judaism: TORAH ›› Jewish Learning and Way of Life We recognize that study of Torah is a lifelong process. Our personal philosophies and practices may vary widely. However, we share a passionate commitment to Judaism and to furthering our spiritual growth individually and communally. AVODAH ›› Worship and Celebration We are united in our search for opportunities to explore creative approaches to Jewish celebration, learning and living while maintaining an abiding respect for traditional Jewish values and practice. GEMILUT HASADIM ›› Acts of Loving Kindness and Concern We strive to be a true Kehilla Kedosha, a holy community. We endeavor to engage each other in mutual care, aid and support in times of need. We will work together through participation in the Jewish community and the wider world to meet our sacred responsibility of Tikkun Olam. Although we may differ in our political philosophies, we are united in our concern for the Land of Israel as the historic homeland of the Jewish people and the State of Israel as a central focal point for the Jewish world. Our members are urged to understand the issues and be involved in activities that impact the well being of the State of Israel and all its inhabitants. We welcome all individuals and families of varying Jewish lifestyles, marital status, gender, race, age and sexual orientation into our community. | CongregationKolHaNeshama.FL.Logo.jpg | CongregationKolHaNeshama.FL.View.jpg | Congregation Kol HaNeshama View | ||||||||||||||||||
| 433 | Jan 14 2012 - 9:23pm | Anonymous | 69.242.213.237 | Reconstructionist Congregation of Detroit | Detroit | Michigan | Carol Weisfeld | 2000 | President Carol Weisfeld Vice President Alvin Saperstein Treasurer Anthony Dillof Secretary Glenn Weisfeld Past President Alan Schenk | “The Reconstructionist Congregation of Detroit is a fairly new Synagogue. I would have been so excited that RCD was formed, except that I don’t even remember because I was less than a year old then. RCD is committed to keeping Judaism alive in Detroit. Our synagogue has no rabbi, so the members take turns leading services. I can’t wait for my turn.” This is part of the brief history of the Reconstructionist Congregation of Detroit (RCD) written by twelve-year-old member Jared Schenk, upon the occasion of dedicating our new Torah four months ago. It had not escaped Jared’s attention that he would soon read from that Torah at his own Bar Mitzvah. He had captured some of our key attributes as a community. RCD is a tiny congregation (24 member units), comprising families, a US Senator, single moms, and diverse couples. Many of our members teach or work for social agencies in Detroit. We were supported beautifully by the surrounding Detroit community as we raised funds for our new Torah; we simultaneously all learned about a sofer’s role and the rituals surrounding creation and preservation of the scroll. Our sanctuary is located in the education wing of Christ Church Detroit; that congregation came and applauded us as we carried our Torah into our sanctuary for the first time. Another way to keep Judaism alive in Detroit is to keep Jewish history alive, which we do in three ways: we preserve artifacts from former city synagogues (see our photos); we participate as docents and hosts for tours organized by the Jewish Historical Society of Michigan; and we have produced a children’s activity book (Early Jewish Days in Michigan) that identifies values of tikkun olam in the lives of Jews who played important roles in our state’s history. As Jared put it, RCD is committed to keeping Judaism alive in Detroit. | ReconstructionistCongregationofDetroit.MI.Founding.jpg | RCD's Founding is recognized by Detroit City Council, 2000. | ReconstructionistCongregationofDetroit.MI.Ritual.jpg | Each year RCD members observe Tashlich by casting sins into the Detroit River. | ReconstructionistCongregationofDetroit.MI.Education.1.jpg | RCD participates in many tours hosted by the Jewish Historical Society of Michigan, providing docents who describe Jewish history in the city. | ReconstructionistCongregationofDetroit.MI.Education.2.jpg | RCD's coloring/activity book: teaching Torah values while having fun! | ReconstructionistCongregationofDetroit.MI.HistoricWindow.1.jpg | RCD's historic window, rescued from a demolished Detroit synagogue, is moved to the Detroit Historical Museum for the exhibit on 300 years of Jews in America. | ReconstructionistCongregationofDetroit.MI.HistoricWindow.2.jpg | The historic window from 1920, on loan to the Detroit Historical Museum, is described by RCD members. | ReconstructionistCongregationofDetroit.MI.HistoricWindow.3.jpg | RCD's historic window makes the cover of the state journal! | ReconstructionistCongregationofDetroit.MI.NewTorah.1.jpg | RCD's old Torah is carefully examined by a sofer, as members watch and listen. | ReconstructionistCongregationofDetroit.MI.NewTorah.2.jpg | The sofer puts finishing touches on our "new" Torah as members watch him work. | ReconstructionistCongregationofDetroit.MI.NewTorah.3.jpg | Members carry RCD's new Torah through the streets of Detroit. |
| 434 | Jan 14 2012 - 9:39pm | Anonymous | 74.92.126.138 | Congregation Shirat Hayam | Marshfield | MA | Eve Maslin | 1996 | President: Chuck Goldman Vice President: Zac Rolnik Treasurer: Lilli Meiselman Secretary: Ilene Horvitz | CONGREGATION SHIRAT HAYAM & RECONSTRUCTIONISM Shirat Hayam, which means "Song of the Sea," is a small Reconstructionist congregation serving several South Shore towns that was established in 1996. Shirat Hayam is an especially welcoming congregation with many interfaith families in our membership. For our synagogue and our religious school we share a building with Marshfield United Methodist Church. Reconstructionist Judaism is the newest of the four major streams of Judaism. It has come into prominence in the United States over the past 75 years. Its founder, Mordecai Kaplan, did not believe in the traditional notion of God as an all-knowing figure. Rather, Kaplan believed that God works through nature and through human beings - not upon them. Reconstructionist Jews generally think it is more important to believe that justice, kindness, and compassion are godly attributes, rather than to think of God as a power that possesses the attributes of justice, kindness, and compassion. This is another way of expressing the importance of human responsibility in bringing godliness into the world. OUR MISSION STATEMENT Congregation Shirat Hayam is an inclusive, open-minded, and friendly congregation offering rich spiritual, educational, and social opportunities to a diverse Jewish community. We are grounded in and observant of tradition, guiding our young and learning from our elders, dedicated to creating and maintaining an open, dynamic, spiritual, and participatory membership. Our diverse community welcomes all types of families and anyone wanting to explore Jewish identity and rituals. We are dedicated to creating a caring and inclusive community, and to enhancing Jewish practice and learning in the lives of our members. We are committed to preserving and passing on our Jewish culture, providing an exciting and meaningful education experience for all ages. We value and encourage education and life-long learning as being fundamental to Jewish life. Our religious school provides Hebrew language training, religious instruction, and holiday celebration, providing complete and engaging Jewish education. We do this so that our children may grow up having been exposed to the full richness of their Jewish religion and culture, and are able to pass their knowledge on to future generations. Our congregation is founded on Reconstructionist based decision-making, and has grown due to the creative and spiritual contributions of our members. We encourage everyone to take an active role in some aspect of our congregational life, acknowledging that every member's voice is equal and important. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 435 | Jan 14 2012 - 10:28pm | Anonymous | 74.92.126.138 | String of Pearls | Princeton | New Jersey | Eve Maslin | 1992 | Lorraine Fisch, President Sharon Mizels, Vice President Ann Harwood, Treasurer Kathy Orchen, Secretary Liz Cutler Karen Dentler Janice Fine Lorraine Fisch Bruce Gershkowitz Jayne Gershkowitz Deborah Goodkin Sherry Meyer Sandra Norman Donna Rubin Marsha Rudolph Abby Sorrell Gail Szenes Brian Tucker Evan Yassky Julie Zimmerman | Our Mission String of Pearls is a participatory Reconstructionist congregation dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive Jewish community. We explore the evolving nature of Jewish life within the framework of Judaism's enduring values. We affirm the concept of mitzva as obligation by acting on those values through the practices of torah (learning), avodah (service), and g'milut hasadim (acts of kindness). As progressive American Jews, we are committed to challenging and being challenged by Jewish traditions for the enrichment of our own lives and for the perpetuation of our bond, and our children's bond, with our heritage. By engaging with these traditions, we seek to stimulate our intellects, uplift our souls, and help repair the world. Our Vision Growing meaningful Jewish experiences. Our History String of Pearls is a congregation of over 50 households in the Princeton area whose members have been gathering together since 1992. From the beginning it has been a proudly diverse and inclusive Jewish congregation, welcoming young and old, singles and families, Jews by birth and by choice, non-Jewish partners in interfaith couples, gay and straight,the spiritually settled and the spiritually restless; in short, all who are willing to commit to the integration of community, worship, study, and acts of loving kindness (gemilut hasadim) and repair of the world (tikkun olam). Our congregation’s name, String of Pearls, comes from one of the first songs the congregation learned to sing together. The lyrics of the Yiddish song, Schnirele Perele (String of Pearls), imply that those who are unique "pearls" share a sense of hope for the future. Rav Abraham Isaac Kook, the first Ashkenazi chief rabbi of the British Mandate for Palestine, said, "As the string holds the pearls of the necklace together, so the yearning to commune with G-d unifies and joins all humanity as one. That yearning is the essence of the soul, which derives from the eternal source of all perfection." | StringofPearls.NJ.ArkofCovenant.jpg | String of Pearls Ark of Covenant | StringofPearls.NJ.Logo.jpg | String of Pearls Logo | ||||||||||||||||
| 436 | Jan 16 2012 - 12:33pm | Anonymous | 72.94.179.222 | Congregation Kol Emet | Yardley | Pennsylvania | Melody Katz | 1985 | Melody Katz - President, Chuck Weiner and Andrew Finkle- Vice Presidents, Randi Davis- Secretary, Eric Schwartz-Treasurer, Robert Moses- Ritual Chair, Barb Lavine-Adult Education, Brad Pedrow- Community Relations ,Dina Bortnichak-Early Childhood Education, Finance- Tom Kearns, Richard Nedelman-House, Burt Sutker- Long Range Planning Planning, Julie Asplen-Membership, Jill Gordon- Religious School Education, Marc Berger-Social Action, Heidi Bush- Youth Programming, Lisa O'Rourke and Barbara Cohen-Fundraising. Ellie Fisher- Rabbi Liaison Committee | Kol Emet began in 1984 with an ad in a local newspaper placed by the Wilson family looking for progressive like minded Jewish families in the Yardley area. This growing group met in peoples' homes for a few years and formed a relationship with an independent religious school held in the Marks' family home called the "Mah Tov Classroom". The "Mah Tov" classroom and Kol Emet grew quickly and became the first Reconstructionist congregation in Bucks County. The community was built on the principles of community, inclusiveness and community outreach. As we outgrew living rooms we began meeting at the Yardley Quaker Friends Meeting House. Shabbat services and holiday celebrations were filled with fun, a sense of community and usually with a social action piece added to the celebration. Eventually the community wanted a place to call home and with only about 80 familes and 100% participation we purchased land on which to build our future home. On Thanksgiving weekend 2000 we had a wonderful joint service with our friends from the Quaker Meeting House and walked our Torahs to our new home in Yardley. From 80 families we are now 240 families strong. We have a wonderful preschool in addition to our religious school and family education programs. We are a warm, welcoming and haimish community and our inclusiveness of interfaith families has set us apart. We have been blessed, and continue to be blessed, with many involved and committed interfaith families. We have drawn congregants from a variety of Jewish backgrounds and our motto is to encourage your Jewish practice without judgement. We have an active youth group as well as wonderful family Shabbat celebrations. Our involvement in the community has continued to expand with food and clothing drives, adopt a highway, holiday gift drives, packaging meals, serving at food shelters and volunteering at the Jewish Relief Agency. | CongregationKolEmet.PA.AdultEducation2010 | Adult Education is a vital part of nurturing our minds and spirits | Picture Name 2 CongregationKolEmet.PA.BurnTheMortgageParty1995 | The community celebrates the burning of the mortgage in 1995 | CongregationKolEmet.PA.Harmoniyah1995ModelSeder | Music, Food and Smiles abound during this 1995 model seder | Picture Name 4 CongregationKolEmet.PA.HebrewEducation2010 | Hebrew school students and a student-aide reap the benefits of their beautiful building's classrooms | CongregationKolEmet.PA.KampKolEmet2009 | Three young musketeers are building life-long friendships at Kamp Kol Emet | CongregationKolEmet.PA.NewBldgIsDesigned1999 | A 1999 dream for a new sanctuary is depicted here; it is a reality today | CongregationKolEmet.PA.NewRabbi | A younger Rabbi Cove in 1997 was just beginning to assume the community leadership role he plays today | CongregationKolEmet.PA.PreviousHome | Before our new home we worshipped in the Yardley Friends Meeting house | CongregationKolEmet.PA.Rituals2009 | Synaplex Philadelphia and Kol Emet partner to celebrate a wonderful Chanukah in 2009 | CongregationKolEmet.PA.TikkunOlam1996ParkCleanUp | As we do today, back in 1996 we volunteered to help clean up the roads and parks of our community |
| 437 | Jan 17 2012 - 5:48am | Anonymous | 174.31.139.121 | Kadima Reconstructionist Community | Seattle | WA | Kathy Gallagher | 1978 | Sima Kahn, President; Doug Brown, Vice-President; Richard Ginnis, Treasurer; Michael Blum, Secretary. | Kadima is Seattle's premier progressive Jewish community and its only Reconstructionist community. Kadima integrates celebration, study and work for social justice through programs; holidays; Shabbatot; education; and activism for a just, peaceful and healthy world. Kadima strives to offer a warm, inclusive and diverse Jewish community. Jewish beliefs and practices among Kadima’s membership range from humanistic to theistic. Multi-faith families are welcomed. Everyone is encouraged to celebrate and learn more about progressive Judaism. For 34 years, Kadima, which means “forward,” has been a pioneer on many fronts: supporting equal rights for gays and lesbians, fair labor practices, religious inclusion for Jews of all backgrounds, and peace in the Middle East that includes the coexistence of an Israeli state and a Palestinian state. Kadima's Women's Torah Project created and celebrated the first sefer Torah written and embellished by an international community of women scribes and artists. Numerous volunteers (of all genders) provided administrative, creative and financial support to the project. The Middle East Peace Camp for children, a joint venture of Kadima, the Arab Center of Washington and Kay Bullit, was launched in the summer of 2002. The camp has served children aged 5-12 every summer since, working toward peace through friendship, education and fun. Kadima co-sponsors Seattle Pride Shabbat every year. Kadima also supports the Seattle Jewish Film Festival. For many years, Kadima's office was in one location, its Sunday school was in another and its Hebrew school in yet another. Services and celebrations were held in various community centers or churches. Three years ago, Kadima found a house and now, at last, can do everything under one roof. (Except High Holy Days services, which still take place across town.) | Kadima.WA.educationhighlights.1.jpg | Kadima B'nei Mitzvah students get their art on | kadima.WA.educationhighlights.2.jpg | First day of Kadima's Pre-K class | kadima.wa.educationhighlights.3.jpg | Kadima students making challah | kadima.WA.rituals.1.jpg | Kadima's annual SukkahFest | kadima.wa.majorprogramsofnote.2,jpg | Kadima's Torah Fair in advance of the Women's Torah siyyum | kadima.wa.majorprogramsofnote.1.jpg | Eitz Chayim art, which became the symbol of the Women's Torah Project | ||||||||
| 438 | Jan 17 2012 - 5:16pm | Anonymous | 173.79.59.110 | Mishkan Torah Congregation | Greenbelt | MD | Jackie Kling | Early 1930s | President - Jackie Kling Executive Vice President - Dan Lowery Programming Vice President - Irv Wartell Financial Secretary - Arlene Gottlieb Treasurer - Bill Schwartz Recording Secretary - Janet Davis Immediate Past President - Steve Mirsky | Mishkan Torah.....by Ellen Rubin A simple question asked of Ethel Morganstein, a Greenbelt, Maryland resident in the late 1930’s, planted the seed from which Mishkan Torah ultimately grew. When she went to pay her rent to the rental manager, he pointed out that various Christian denominations had established churches and asked why no Jewish congregation had yet been formed in Greenbelt – the first planned community in the United States. Motivated by the rental manager’s query, Ms. Morganstein obtained the names and addresses of Jewish families and went door to door to invite them to an organizational meeting at her home. At that meeting, the Greenbelt Hebrew Congregation was born. Regular Friday night services were held in the music room of the Center School in Greenbelt, and the first High Holy Day services were held in the fire house, with a chorus, led by Harry Fleisher, enhancing the services. A Torah was borrowed from the Washington Hebrew Congregation as were the prayer books. Years later, congregant Marlene Mollerick learned that a British synagogue had custody of twelve hundred Torahs from Czechoslovakia, which had been saved by British troops from Nazi destruction. They were available on permanent loan to worthy synagogues. She promptly applied for a Torah on Mishkan Torah’s behalf and was told that Mishkan Torah had qualified. The existing ark was re-designed by Joe Dalis to house Mishkan Torah’s permanent loan. Eventually the Greenbelt Hebrew Congregation merged with the newly established Jewish Community Center of Prince George’s County. Its mission was mainly focused on social activities and having a community center for Jews although there were some religious aspects as well. Shortly after the Jewish Community Center of Prince George’s County’s founding, Rabbi Morris A. Sandhaus who had worked for nine years with a Jewish congregation in Yonkers, N.Y., was hired to lead the congregation. On February 13, 1943, the JCC celebrated Greenbelt’s first Bar Mitzvah. In 1949, the JCC acquired a tract of 0.79 acres from the federal government, which cost $1,000. Once this purchase was made, the dream of a new building was on its way to becoming a reality. In an 1995 essay commemorating Mishkan Torah’s 40th anniversary, a congregant recalls, “I remember a gentile watching us lay bricks. He went back to his boss, a Mr. Brown of the Aldon Construction Company, and told him, ‘Some crazy Jewish amateurs are trying to build a church in Greenbelt and are doing a terrible job of it.’ He continues, “One Sunday, Mr. Brown came out with all of his bricklayers and helped put up all the corners of the building, which gave us a marvelous start.” Many synagogue members worked steadily on the building for over three years. On March 20, 1955 the new building was dedicated, with appropriate ceremonies and celebration. The Jewish Community Center of PG County continued to grow and, although it is still officially incorporated as the JCC of PG County, in 1968 the membership decided to begin using the name Mishkan Torah. The decision stemmed from the fact that it was becoming more of a house of worship yet still retaining its original purpose as a community center for Jews. In 1969 a ground breaking ceremony was held for the addition of the Karp Family Hebrew School. Men and women have participated equally in all facets of synagogue life since 1973 when Mishkan Torah became affiliated with both the Conservative and Reconstructionist Movements. Following the tenure of Rabbi Maurice Weinberg from 1966 – 1973, Rabbi Kennth Berger, of blessed memory, was hired from the first graduating class of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College. Mishkan Torah has had three Rabbis since the tragic death of Rabbi Berger in a plane crash - Rabbi Steven Bayar (1982 - ), Rabbi Saul Grife ( ) and our current Rabbi, Jonathan Cohen. Our Cantor, Phil Greenfield, has been with us for over 30 years. Though many years have passed, and the world has changed since the 1955 dedication, much of the world of Mishkan Torah has remained the same. In the 21st century, Mishkan Torah’s members mirror their predecessors in bringing their devotion, do-it-yourself energy, individual talents, and financial support to a shul that is known for its warmth and sense of family. Now as then, Mishkan Torah has demonstrated its ability to survive and flourish, no matter what odds or challenges are placed in its way. The content of this essay is a compilation of 40th anniversary essays written by the following contributors: Abe Chasnoff, David Stern, David Spevack, Ethel and Ben Rosenzweig, and Joe Dalis | MishkanTorah.MD.Education.1 | Technology in the Hebrew School classroom | MishkanTorah.MD.Education.2 | Engaging our Students in the Classroom | MishkanTorah.MD.Home.1 | Mishkan Torah, Greenbelt, MD | MishkanTorah.MD.Music.1 | Mishkan Torah Choir | MishkanTorah.MD.Ritual.1 | Chanukah Party | MishkanTorah.MD.Ritual.2 | Simchat Torah - parading in the streets of Greenbelt | MishkanTorah.MD.Ritual.4.jpg | Sisterhood Program - Annual 'Sisters in the Sukkah' | MishkanTorah.MD.TikunOlam.1 | Gleaning in Greenbelt | MishkanTorah.MD.Youth.1 | Israeli Dancing at the Greenbelt Labor Day Parade | MishkantTorah.MD.Leadership.1 | Honoring our Past Presidents |
| 439 | Jan 17 2012 - 9:41pm | Anonymous | 24.148.196.143 | Havurat Tikvah | Charlotte | NC | Jessica Schorr Saxe | 1988 | Rosh-Gwen Offerdahl Secretary-Alan Kaplan Treasurer-Frank Fleming Past Rosh-Elaine Millen | Founded in the fall of 1988, Havurat Tikvah began as a fellowship of about 15 families that celebrated holidays and some Shabbats together. We ambitiously decided to hold our own High Holy Day services in the fall of 1989. We learned and led all the services. High Holy Days have been a major highlight of our year ever since. Our occasional gatherings expanded to include monthly services, adult education programs, and retreats. We began a cooperative Sunday school and educated a generation of our children who learned liturgy, Torah, ethics and love of Judaism. Our numbers grew to include between 40 and 50 families. Since the beginning, the Havurah has had simple goals. We wanted to develop a community that was participatory, equalitarian, and that recognized the richness of Jewish life. While we thought of ourselves as breaking new ground we realized that we were part of a larger movement and affiliated with the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation in 1999. Many of us have davenned, learned, celebrated simchas, and mourned losses together for years. We welcome new families. We continue as a lay-led community committed to active participation by all. | I sent photos to Beverly Vitek | |||||||||||||||||||
| 440 | Jan 17 2012 - 10:47pm | Anonymous | 76.89.71.30 | Congregation Dor Hadash | San Diego | CA | Susan Levine | 1983 | Steve Florman, President Dave Wertlieb, 1st Vice President Cynthia Sistek-Chandler, 2nd Vice President Marilyn Scheininger, Treasurer Anita Peterson, Secretary Marcia Berneger, Trustee Max Greene, Student Trustee Philip Haness, Trustee Judy Hante, Trustee Susanne Scherman, Trustee Dave Wertlieb, Past President | In 1983 Rabbi Ron Herstik and a small group of like-minded people established Congregation Dor Hadash as the first Reconstructionist presence in San Diego County as it remains to this day. Our goal was to establish a community far beyond the traditional "brick and mortar" concept and was built around havurot that would form a solid foundation for the larger centralized community. Our affiliation with the Reconstructionist movement met our need of blending tradition with an ever-changing secular world. We began meeting in members’ homes and in 1994 moved into our current space where we worship, learn and celebrate together. Our space has been enhanced by the hands of many members, from the building of our Ark, to the kitchen cabinets, to the Jerusalem-like feel of our sanctuary walls. We acquired our rescued Torah in 1986 and it is on permanent loan to us. It is from Czechoslovakia and was to be part of a Nazi museum about the extinct race of Jews. This Torah is a constant reminder that we survive. In 1989 Rabbi Herstik and founding member Andrea Glasser established a formal religious school, calling it The Gesher (Bridge) School. On November 7, 1996 Barbara Carr, teacher and Education Director, received the JRF Master Teacher award. In January 2006 the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation recognized The Gesher School as a model for Reconstructionist education. We are very proud of the ongoing commitment and involvement of our teens who serve as aides in our classrooms, are tutors, and social activists. As Congregation Dor Hadash has changed during the last 28 years, Rabbi Herstik (1983-1996), Rabbi Alexis Pearce (1996-2005), and Rabbi Yaffa-Shira Sultan (2005-2010) have helped move us along in our understanding of the Reconstructionist movement and our place in it. We continue this journey with Rabbi Yael Ridberg (2010-) as we carry on our mission to inspire exploration of Jewish spirituality and create a caring, Jewish community. | CongDorHadash.CA.Animals2011.jpg | One of the many pets that received its blessing at Dor Hadash's 2011 Blessing of the Animals | CongDorHadash.CA.dorotenu.jpg | Dorotenu Wall - Faces of our Ancestors - honoring our ancestors | CongDorHadash.CA.Filner.jpg | Congressman Bob Filner, Freedom Rider with Dr. King, was the keynote at 2012 MLKing Jr Community Learning Day | CongDorHadash.CA.teenstikkunolam.jpg | Dor Hadash teen volunteers at Jewish Family Service Hand Up Food Pantry | CongDorHadash.CA.hamentashen.jpg | Members young and not as young help bake over 3000 hamentashen! | CongDorHadash.CA.2009SocialAction.jpg | Members of Dor Hadash join the march in support of Darfur in 2009 | ||||||||
| 441 | Jan 18 2012 - 11:34am | Jennifer Glowacki | 74.92.126.138 | Open Jewish Congregation Klal Israel | Delft | The Hague, Netherlands | Jenn G :) | 2005 | President: Benjamin van den Broek Secretary: Moishe Hoeting Treasurer: Ivo Galli | The Open Jewish Congregation Klal Israël in Delft was founded at the end of 2005, to establish a warm and accepting home for all Jewish souls. The first service was held on the evening of Friday evening January 6, 2005 in the synagogue in the Koornmarkt. The Open Jewish Congregation Klal Israël has been affiliated with the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation since November 2009. Participation in our activities is open to anyone who feels Jewish, is Jewish or wants to be Jewish: we do not ask any interested participant about his or her actual Jewish status. However, we do ask participants to respect our house rules. Klal Israël is a progressive egalitarian community, where women and men enjoy equal rights. There is no physical separation between the sexes and our style of services is respectful, free and spontaneous. Our siddurim – prayer books – contain Hebrew text as well as a phonetic transcription and a translation in Dutch. See menu on the left, under ‘Tefilla’. The Friday evening service (Kabbalat Shabbat) lasts 55 minutes, and the Saturday morning service lasts (Shacharit) 80 minutes. At the end of the Friday night service there is an informal get together to foster a greater community spirit. The Saturday morning service is followed by a Torah study session for members only. | KlalIsrael.Netherlands.Exterior.gif | Our Synagogue | ||||||||||||||||||
| 442 | Jan 18 2012 - 11:46am | Jennifer Glowacki | 74.92.126.138 | Bejt Simcha | Prague | Czech Republic | Jenn G :) | 1980 | Bejt Simcha is a Jewish liberal community in Prague, Czech Republic, gathering Jews and people with a friendly relationship towards Jews. Bejt Simcha is a member of the European Region of the World Union for Progressive Judaism (EUPJ) and an associated member of the Federation of the Jewish Communities in the Czech Republic and the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation (JRF). Our community, as an association, consists of members and members of The Club of Friends (non-Jewish partners of the members and others). At present it has about 150 members. Since Autumn 2001 Bejt Simcha has been publishing a monthly magazine „Maskil“ which is distributed to all the Jewish communities and other institutions all over the Czech Republic (and partially abroad, too). Bejt Simcha is also the first European affiliate of Jewish Reconstructionist Federation. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 443 | Jan 18 2012 - 12:04pm | Jennifer Glowacki | 74.92.126.138 | Ezra-Habonim, the Niles Township Jewish Congregation of Chicagoland | Skokie | IL | Jenn G :) | President: Joel Wax | Conservative/ Reconstructionist synagogue serving the spiritual, religious, educational, and social needs of those who are seeking a special place. Are you looking for a wonderful Chicago Jewish Experience? Check out our fast growing, historic synagogue. Through competent leadership and innovative programming, we aim to attract and retain members in all age groups. We take pride in our long and continuing history of egalitarian participation in all aspects of ritual activity, and in our being a warm, caring, supportive community. We are committed to educating our children with a comprehensive Hebrew language and Jewish learning program. No less important is our educational commitment to families and adults of all ages. Who we are and what we value can be distinguished by our dedication to: 1. Offering a progressive philosophy evolving from a traditional Judaic context. 2. Accepting the individuality of our members in their personal practice of Judaism and encouraging the continuing development of their Jewish potential 3. Having clergy that are active and involved, inspiring in their knowledge, and responsive to the varied needs of our members 4. Ensuring the survival of the Jewish people by protecting tradition while considering the spiritual needs, morals, and ethics of a new century 5. Building a center for Jewish study and family life for the greater Chicago area 6. Providing a full-service synagogue to our members and to the community at large What We Offer: * Extensive Adult study classes * Two days a week Religious School, K -10th grade * Library and museum * Dynamic, caring clergy and staff * Modern yet traditional, a liberal Conservative and Reconstructionist tradition * Special holiday programs * Family activities * Singles group/Couples club/Havurot Over 4000 years, Judaism has developed a way of life that infuses our days with meaning, enlightens the individual, connects us to the Jewish people and helps us improve and enrich all humanity. By observing the mitzvote instructed by God and interpret UNIQUE: Conservative and Reconstructionist-as well as home to a Traditional Egalitarian minyon. By our dedication to these goals, we create an atmosphere of respect, openness, and trust that builds enduring fulfillment, and a closer connection to the Jewish Join us to worship, learn, find community, grow spiritually, help Judaism thrive, share in God's work. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 444 | Jan 18 2012 - 12:14pm | Jennifer Glowacki | 74.92.126.138 | Kehillah Chadashah | Jacksonville | FL | Jenn G :) | 2010 | President: Linda Levin Vice President: Judy Zfaz Treasurer: David Levin Secretary: Michele Katz | About Us It is the mission of Kehillah Chadashah to create a kehillah (community) to worship and to learn where members have a sense of ownership and inclusivity, connecting and including our youth, family, friends and Israel. We value: • Torah and G-d • Jewish Heritage, Traditions and Rituals • Jewish Education, Spirituality and Lifelong Learning • Community, Community Involvement and Social Action • Connectivity to Each Other and to Israel • Our Youth, Families and All Generations We look forward to hearing from you! | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 445 | Jan 18 2012 - 12:16pm | Jennifer Glowacki | 74.92.126.138 | Congregation Shir Hadash | Milwaukee | WI | Jenn G :) | President: Eve Dicker Eiseman Vice President, Development: Sam Essak Vice President, Programming: Steve Alper Treasurer: Natalie Frankel Secretary: Marla Morris Kennedy Members at Large: Andrew Mishlove, Lucy Rosenberg | About Shir Hadash: A new song in Milwaukee You can learn a lot about us from our name. "Shir Hadash" means "a new song." And we do enjoy learning a new tune. That’s not just because we're a musically inclined congregation. It’s also because we find new meaning in our Jewish traditions when we learn to hear them in a new way. One of the principles of Reconstructionist Judaism is inclusiveness. Everyone is welcome. Factors such as race, sexual orientation, or a non-Jewish partner play no role in whether you are accepted at Shir Hadash. Our congregation is made up of a diverse population, and such differences contribute to the strength and vitality of our community. Our diversity makes us who we are. Shir Hadash services are participatory, egalitarian, creative and warmly spiritual. Because we are a modest-sized congregation, you will find you are personally welcomed, and never just a face in a crowd. Each month, we typically offer three Friday night services (including one family-oriented potluck Shabbat), three Saturday morning minyans and one Saturday morning Family Shabbat service, as well as observing all the holidays. We also offer a a challenging array of adult education classes and a Rosh Hodesh women’s group, and we participate in a variety of social justice initiatives. Our dynamic and growing school provides an exciting new way of educating our children, and we offer additional instruction for children studying for b’not mitzvah at Shir Hadash. Our mission statement sums it up: “Congregation Shir Hadash provides an inclusive Jewish community for worship, study and social action. We respect traditions while allowing freedom to find personal meaning in an enduring Jewish culture.” Shabbat Community A place to belong As our congregation developed, we felt the need for a place to go when we needed support and a sense of community. This is what led to the creation of our Shabbat Community. Shabbat Community provides a regular Shabbat morning activity that is open to all Shir Hadash members. What goes on there depends on who is there and what we feel we need that day. We talk, we pray, we sing and we learn Torah. We start at 10 a.m. (on each Shabbat morning when a regular Shabbat or holiday service or Family Education class is not scheduled) and end with Kiddush. All are welcome! | ShirHadash.WI.logo.gif | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 446 | Jan 18 2012 - 1:01pm | Jennifer Glowacki | 74.92.126.138 | Temple Israel | Duluth | MN | Jenn G :) | President: Neil Glazman Vice President: Chris King Treasurer: Sheryl Grana Secretary: David Siegler | “Temple Israel is a welcoming and vibrant center of Jewish life for our region, l’dor vador... from generation to generation” Temple Israel has served northeastern Minnesota for 120 years as a Jewish social, religious, cultural and educational center. Welcome. You are one of our distinguished visitors! Our congregation includes people from traditional Jewish backgrounds, interfaith families, and people with little or no previous Jewish learning or experience. Our membership includes families, couples, and singles; children and elders; Jews by birth and Jews by choice (or still choosing). We value and seek to include everyone who shares our commitment to living and learning about compassionate, ethical Judaism regardless of age, marital status, income level, sexual orientation, gender identity, race or disability. | TempleIsrael.Duluth.MN.Service.jpg | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 447 | Jan 18 2012 - 7:30pm | Anonymous | 108.46.195.15 | Bet Am Shalom Synagogue | White Plains | New York | Beth Nash | 1956 | Rabbi Lester Bronstein Cantor Benjie Ellen Schiller Robin Rattner, Executive Director Abby Reiken, Education Director Terri Simon, President Richard Haimowitz, Board Chair | Bet Am Shalom is a place of prayer where individuals with varied spiritual goals and leanings find a comfortable home; it is a place of creative education and meaningful study for children and adults; and it is a place of gathering, where we connect with others through social, communal and religious activities. The congregation provides support in times of illness or mourning, ritual and life cycle events, social action, programs and scholarly lectures, family learning, musical performances, the arts and all the endeavors that build and sustain a sacred community. | BetAmShalom.NY.Education(1).jpg | Two students in the adult b'nai mitzvah class with their teachers, who are fellow congregants | BetAmShalom.NY.Education(2).jpg | Hebrew School students unroll the Torah with Rabbi Bronstein | BetAmShalom.NY.Rituals.jpg | Father and daughter celebrating in our Sukkah | BetAmShalom.NY.Program.jpg | Dancing at our annual Women's Seder | BetAmShalom.NY.Youth.jpg | Teens helped children from the Elm Street Youth Center cook the vegetables they had grown | BetAmShalom.NY.TikkunOlam.jpg | Families participated in the Elm Street Harvest luncheon |