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.
Thu, May 1 2025
3 Iyyar 5785
Upcoming Events
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Saturday ,
MayMay 3 , 2025
Shabbat, May 3rd 10:00a to 12:00p
10-10:30 informal singing, learning new tunes 10:30-11:30 Shacharit -
Sunday ,
MayMay 4 , 2025
Sunday, May 4th 9:30a to 12:00p
Judaics and Hebrew for grades K-7. -
Sunday ,
MayMay 4 , 2025
Sunday, May 4th 1:00p to 2:00p
This is a course for Jewish people over 18 who wish to have a B' Mitzvah service and celebration. Whether you converted to Judaism, weren't raised in a shul, were raised in a shul that didn't allow your gender to have such a service, or even if you had one at 13 and are ready for a do-over, you are welcome in this class. You will learn or relearn some staples of Jewish liturgy, Torah, hone D'var Torah writing and service-leading skills, and generally have a space to ask whatever questions about Judaism you have felt haven't been answered adequately for you up to this point (I can't promise to have a more adequate answer, but let's talk about it!). We will collectively discuss dates and services for class members to lead and celebrate their becoming a Bar/Bat/MiBeit Mitzvah. Classes will meet in person. If you are interested and cannot attend a class, please let Rabbi Lizz know. -
Monday ,
MayMay 5 , 2025
Monday, May 5th 7:00p to 8:00p
A weekly discussion of Parashat HaShavua. Via Zoom. Reach out if you need the zoom info. -
Friday ,
MayMay 9 , 2025
Friday, May 9th 7:30p to 8:30p
Erev Shabbat Services most Friday nights at 7:30 in the sanctuary All are welcome! Whether this is your first Shabbat, rekindling an old faith, or you join us every week we can't wait to see you. Services usual include Shabbat prayers, a message from our Rabbi Lizz Goldstein, and an Oneg (desserts and snacks). Please come as you are and enjoy the quiet meditation, song, and community of Shabbat services. -
Sunday ,
MayMay 11 , 2025
Sunday, May 11th 1:00p to 2:00p
This is a course for Jewish people over 18 who wish to have a B' Mitzvah service and celebration. Whether you converted to Judaism, weren't raised in a shul, were raised in a shul that didn't allow your gender to have such a service, or even if you had one at 13 and are ready for a do-over, you are welcome in this class. You will learn or relearn some staples of Jewish liturgy, Torah, hone D'var Torah writing and service-leading skills, and generally have a space to ask whatever questions about Judaism you have felt haven't been answered adequately for you up to this point (I can't promise to have a more adequate answer, but let's talk about it!). We will collectively discuss dates and services for class members to lead and celebrate their becoming a Bar/Bat/MiBeit Mitzvah. Classes will meet in person. If you are interested and cannot attend a class, please let Rabbi Lizz know. -
Monday ,
MayMay 12 , 2025
Monday, May 12th 7:00p to 8:00p
A weekly discussion of Parashat HaShavua. Via Zoom. Reach out if you need the zoom info. -
Friday ,
MayMay 16 , 2025
Friday, May 16th 5:30p to 6:00p
Our families with children 5 and under are invited to join us for a short Shabbat program, with singing, a story, and of course Challah and Grape Juice! -
Friday ,
MayMay 16 , 2025
Friday, May 16th 7:00p to 8:00p
Join us for a fun and youthful Shabbat Service, led by the Religious School! -
Saturday ,
MayMay 17 , 2025Sirkin Bar Mitzvah
Shabbat, May 17th (All day)
Cole Sirkin and Chase Sirkin
Listen to Jewish Kids Radio
Listen to Jewish Rock Radio
Ner Shalom in the News
Washington Jewish Week - February 19, 2025
Rabbi Lizz - Social Justice Activist. Our Rabbi is "someone you should know" according to the D.C. regional Jewish Publication.
Washington Jewish Week - September 7, 2023
Year of the Seder!
- Washington Jewish Week - May 20, 2021
CNS Opens First Jewish Preschool in PWC
-Washington Jewish Week - June 30, 2020
CNS Branded Masks Save Lives
- Prince WIlliam Living - September 20, 2019
Annual Patriot Day Shabbat
- Prince William Living - March 20, 2019
- Learning About Jewish Traditions
- Prince William Living - March 18, 2019
- Building an Inclusive & Vibrant Community
- Prince William Living - November 20, 2018
- Coming Together After a National Tragedy
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Temple Address:
14010 Spriggs Road
Woodbridge, VA 22193
Mailing Address:
Congregation Ner Shalom
P.O. Box 2085
Woodbridge, VA 22195-2085
Please do not mail correspondence to the Spriggs Road address.
Call us at: (703) 878-6904
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