Reform Judaism
Throughout history, Jews have remained firmly rooted in Jewish tradition, even as we learned much from our encounters with other cultures. Nevertheless, since its earliest days, Reform Judaism has asserted that a Judaism frozen in time is an heirloom, not a living fountain. The great contribution of Reform Judaism is that it has enabled the Jewish people to introduce innovation while preserving tradition, to embrace diversity while asserting commonality, to affirm beliefs without rejecting those who doubt and to bring faith to sacred texts without sacrificing critical scholarship.
Reform Judaism affirms the central tenets of Judaism - God, Torah and Israel - even as it acknowledges the diversity of Reform Jewish beliefs and practices. We believe that all human beings are created in the image of God, and that we are God's partners in improving the world. Tikkun olam — repairing the world — is a hallmark of Reform Judaism as we strive to bring peace, freedom and justice to all people.
Reform Jews accept the Torah as the foundation of Jewish life containing God's ongoing revelation to our people and the record of our people's ongoing relationship with God. We see the Torah as God inspired, a living document that enables us to confront the timeless and timely challenges of our everyday lives.
In addition to our belief that Judaism must change and adapt to the needs of the day to survive and our firm commitment to Tikkun Olam, the following principles distinguish Reform Jews from other streams of Judaism in North America.
Reform Jews are committed to the principle of inclusion, not exclusion. Reform Judasim reaches out to Jews-by-choice and interfaith families, encouraging them to embrace Judaism. Reform Jews consider children to be Jewish if they are the child of a Jewish father or mother, so long as the child is raised as a Jew.
Reform Jews are committed to the absolute equality of women in all areas of Jewish life. We were the first movement to ordain women rabbis, invest women cantors, and elect women presidents of our synagogues.
Reform Jews are also committed to the full participation of gays and lesbians in synagogue life as well as society at large.
Tue, November 28 2023
15 Kislev 5784
Upcoming Events
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Tuesday ,
NovNovember 28 , 2023#GivingTuesday Boardwalk Crew Signups
Tuesday, Nov 28th (All day)
Join the effort to build accessibility paths on campus. You can register here to help build the boardwalk! -
Friday ,
DecDecember 1 , 2023
Friday, Dec 1st 6:30p to 8:00p
Usher in Shabbat with joy and community fun! On the first Friday of the month, when we don't have services, bring a covered dish for a potluck dinner, along with games, conversation, and music. -
Saturday ,
DecDecember 2 , 2023
Shabbat, Dec 2nd 10:00a to 11:00a
Monthly Shabbat morning service -
Sunday ,
DecDecember 3 , 2023
Sunday, Dec 3rd 9:30a to 12:00p
Hebrew and Judaics for grades K-7th -
Sunday ,
DecDecember 3 , 2023
Sunday, Dec 3rd 11:00a to 2:00p
Peddle your crafts and wares, and do some of your own holiday shopping! Go to this link to secure a vendor table: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc19UrorAej0WECCem7ydO0fQeZMnZhoVixDxCxvWYYdaNJrA/viewform Or just show up on December 3rd anytime between 11 and 2 to shop! -
Friday ,
DecDecember 8 , 2023
Friday, Dec 8th 6:30p to 9:00p
A new way to celebrate an old holiday! We will still eat latkes and light candles and sing songs, but there will also be storytelling and conversation, all done around tables piled with food, drinks, and fun! -
Sunday ,
DecDecember 10 , 2023
Sunday, Dec 10th 9:30a to 12:00p
Hebrew and Judaics for grades K-7th -
Friday ,
DecDecember 15 , 2023
Friday, Dec 15th 7:00p to 8:30p
Our 7th annual Youth-led Shabbat with a focus on Human Rights themes -
Sunday ,
DecDecember 17 , 2023
Sunday, Dec 17th 9:30a to 12:00p
Hebrew and Judaics for grades K-7th -
Friday ,
DecDecember 22 , 2023
Friday, Dec 22nd 7:30p to 8:30p
Erev Shabbat Services most Friday nights at 7:30 in the sanctuary
Ner Shalom in the News
- Washington Jewish Week - June 30, 2020
CNS Branded Masks Save Lives
- Prince WIlliam Living - September 20, 2019
Annual Patriot Day Shabbat
- Prince William Living - August 26, 2019
Learn About the Jewish High Holidays!
- Prince William Living - July 16, 2019
Synagogue in Summer
- Prince William Living - May 16, 2019
Seasons of Our Joy
- Prince William Living - March 20, 2019
- Learning About Jewish Traditions
- Building an Inclusive & Vibrant Community
- - Prince William Living - December 14, 2018
- The Future of the Community
- - Prince William Living - November 20, 2018
- Coming Together After a National Tragedy
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