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, June 28 2022
29 Sivan 5782
Upcoming Events
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Wednesday ,
JunJune 29 , 2022
Wednesday, Jun 29th 10:30a to 12:00p
We will meet to discuss our next book on June 29, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. on Zoom. The Book is The Rabbi's Wife, The Bishop's Wife: A Historical Novel by David Jacobson and Chayuta Deutsch. According to Amazon.com, the book is about: The moving story of Joana Halevi – one brave woman who was willing to give up the most precious things in her life to maintain her faith. Spain, 1391. Joana, wife of Shlomo Halevi, the Rabbi of Burgos, mother of five, and daughter of a wealthy and respectable family, is living a comfortable, carefree life. Until her world is shattered without warning one summer day. While her husband Shlomo, now Pablo de Santamaria, joins the Catholic church and takes their family with him, Joana struggles with the unrelenting yearning for her children. Will her soul find relief? Will her children return to her side? Jerusalem, 2020. Ruth is struggling with personal conflicts when the Covid-19 pandemic shakes her world, adding loneliness and isolation to her struggle. With her new online friend, she embarks on a voyage that will set Joana Halevi’s memory free from oblivion. Based on the true story of Joana Halevi, The Rabbi’s Wife, the Bishop’s Wifeaddresses human behavior and condition: true and false alliances, betrayal and loyalty, destruction and redemption. -
Thursday ,
JunJune 30 , 2022
Thursday, Jun 30th 7:00p to 8:00p
Summer crash course on Judaism. Intended for those beginning conversion journeys, but everyone is welcome! Meetings may vary between in-person and zoom, so please RSVP to rabbi@nershalomva.org -
Friday ,
JulJuly 1 , 2022
Friday, Jul 1st 7:00p to 9:00p
Young Adults, between 18-25(ish) are invited to a potluck campfire on the synagogue grounds. Come meet other young Jews in the area, sing some songs, schmooze, kibbitz, eat, and enjoy a nice Friday evening together. -
Saturday ,
JulJuly 2 , 2022
Shabbat, Jul 2nd 10:00a to 11:00a
At the synagogue! -
Sunday ,
JulJuly 3 , 2022
Sunday, Jul 3rd 11:00a to 11:30a
Join Rabbi Lizz and the Ner Shalom lifelong education crew for a dip into Talmudic learning. -
Thursday ,
JulJuly 7 , 2022
Thursday, Jul 7th 7:00p to 8:00p
Summer crash course on Judaism. Intended for those beginning conversion journeys, but everyone is welcome! Meetings may vary between in-person and zoom, so please RSVP to rabbi@nershalomva.org -
Friday ,
JulJuly 8 , 2022
Friday, Jul 8th 7:30p to 8:30p
In person! Masks required. -
Thursday ,
JulJuly 14 , 2022
Thursday, Jul 14th 7:00p to 8:00p
Summer crash course on Judaism. Intended for those beginning conversion journeys, but everyone is welcome! Meetings may vary between in-person and zoom, so please RSVP to rabbi@nershalomva.org -
Friday ,
JulJuly 15 , 2022
Friday, Jul 15th 7:30p to 8:30p
Join us at the synagogue for low-key, lay-led summer services! -
Thursday ,
JulJuly 21 , 2022
Thursday, Jul 21st 7:00p to 8:00p
Summer crash course on Judaism. Intended for those beginning conversion journeys, but everyone is welcome! Meetings may vary between in-person and zoom, so please RSVP to rabbi@nershalomva.org
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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