Ohev Shalom’s Philosophy
As a member of the United
Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, we maintain the beauty
and warmth of ritual tradition and also enjoy the innovation
of modern Judaism. Our Rabbi, Eliott N. Perlstein, is a
young and dynamic leader, whose approach is one of teaching
and encouraging, rather than preaching and demanding. He
invites everyone to become more involved and committed to a
Jewish way of life. Our Cantor, Paul Frimark, adds the
beautiful melodies to our Friday evening and Shabbat morning
services. He is also the music teacher for our Pre-School
and Religious School, as well as a Bar/Bat Mitzvah trainer.
Our congregation represents
the care, love, support and work of its members. The Jewish
growth and development of the family is emphasized, and
adults and children alike take an active role in all
synagogue services. Our goal is to build a strong Jewish
community that looks to the synagogue to be a warm and
creative place for religious, cultural and social
activities.
Ohev Shalom’s Mission
Statement
Ohev Shalom is dedicated to
serving the spiritual, educational, cultural, civic and
social needs of its members in an egalitarian environment
framed by Jewish tradition as interpreted by the United
Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.
The synagogue is further
committed to providing these services in an atmosphere of
joy and mutual caring within a congregational family. Our
goal is to pass along pride in the Jewish heritage to our
children and through them to the generations yet to come.
The synagogue will
nourish the spirit
by providing meaningful religious services and opportunities
for personal involvement in worship and ritual. Spiritual
support and communal caring are forthcoming to all
congregants throughout all of their life-cycle occasions,
whether simcha or bereavement.
The synagogue will
challenge the mind
by instilling in each of its members the awareness that the
pursuit of knowledge is a lifelong process and by providing
an educational program for both children and adults that is
inspirational, challenging and rewarding. The educational
goals of the synagogue are founded in the quest to make all
members of the synagogue community comfortable with the
religious and ritualistic elements of Judaism. Additional
educational goals include familiarizing congregants with
Halacha (rules that govern all of our decision
making…passed to us by both the Torah and Jewish sages),
developing or deepening an understanding of Jewish history
and culture, establishing Hebrew literacy and forging a
lifetime identity with the State of Israel.
The synagogue will enrich
the soul by
offering diverse cultural programs linking our Jewish
experience to the arts and sciences.
The synagogue will open
the heart by
assuming a leadership role in the performance of Tzedakah,
both within the congregation and in the larger community.
Understanding that the execution of mitzvoth is not an
option afforded to us, but a dictum incumbent upon us to
follow, will help the Ohev Shalom community to reach toward
tikun olam.
While tending to the above
serious needs, the synagogue will also provide opportunities
for socializing that are so important for making new
friendships, keeping congregants connected and enjoying
entertaining programs, all within a Jewish context.
