What Makes Or Shalom Unique?

Reconstructionism -- Or Shalom is the first and only Reconstructionist congregation in San Francisco.  We are proud to be a part of this progressive, vibrant, movement which has long been on the forefront of revitalizing Jewish life.

Intimacy -- As a community of modest size (136 families) with a culture of warmth and welcoming, Or Shalom is a place where members connect to one another easily and quickly. Our services, classes and community service projects are intimate rather than anonymous. Members get to know one another and share in life’s joys and challenges together as a truly cohesive community.

Diversity -- Our membership is diverse and exciting. We welcome people of all backgrounds – interfaith and non-traditional families, young couples and empty-nesters. Our congregation is egalitarian and full participation is open to all members, Jewish or non-Jewish.

Joy –- Through music and dance, full family participation and the leadership of our young new Rabbi, we tend, at our services, to have fun. Infusing this fun with the grounding of tradition and framing it in the context of holiness, we elevate this fun to the level of simcha – sacred joyousness.

Innovation –- We are a progressive community, creative and open-minded, dedicated to making our Jewish practice and learning meaningful and relevant in the 21st century. Our approach is non-dogmatic and non-judgmental, responsive to the unique challenges of our day.

Our School -- Our religious school is unusually successful. Kids love to come, and stay involved even after they celebrate Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Unlike most synagogue schools, we are founded on the idea that every child in our school should come voluntarily. And it works! Our students emerge with a positive Jewish identity, a foundation of Jewish and Hebrew literacy, and connection to one another and to their community that lasts a lifetime. Contact our Education Director, Deborah Schneider, for more information, educator@orshalom.org.