Congregation Shalom is a Reform Jewish community

committed to education, spiritual growth, and

Tikkun Olam (healing the world).

We are proud to be an extended family of equals -

welcoming, caring, and inclusive. Together, we engage

in religious observance, enjoy social activities, and

pursue life-long learning.

S P I R I T U A L G R O W T H

E D U C AT I O N

T I K K U N O L A N

URJ

87 Richardson Road, N. Chelmsford, MA 01863 978.251.8091 • www.congregationshalom.org

87 Richardson Road North Chelmsford, MA 01863

Office: 978.251.8091 Rabbi’s Study: 978.251.8515

membership@congregationshalom.org

www.congregationshalom.org

Rabbi Shoshana Perry came to Congregation Shalom in 1998 as its first full-time rabbi. At the time, the congregation was a small community of about 100 families. In the last 15 years the congregation has seen enormous growth, now numbering

about 200 families. Rabbi Perry is committed to working in partnership with the lay leadership of Congregation Shalom to insure that the congregation maintains its strong sense of community, warmth and vibrancy. She believes that Jewish learning needs to be a life-long pursuit, and that a synagogue should be a place where each person, young and old, can learn, explore and question. Rabbi Perry also believes that Jewish life flourishes when creativity, mutual support and respect are the foundation of prayer, education and decision-making; she is excited to work with a talented group of lay leaders to bring this vision to fruition. For Rabbi Perry, social justice and the prophetic tradition of Judaism is the core element of her rabbinate. She feels strongly that a congregation needs to be a place where Tikkun Olam – the healing of the world – is a central force for Jewish life. Rabbi Perry’s commitment as a rabbi is to help each member find a meaningful doorway into Jewish life.

A B O U T O U R R A B B I

BAR/BAT MITZVAH & CONFIRMATION Bar/Bat Mitzvah are encouraged for children of Congregation Shalom. The Rabbi and Education Director oversee Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation. Confirmation akes place at the end of the 10th grade. It remains a high point after years of Religious School. Bar/Bat Mitzvah is also available for any interested adults.

LIFECYCLE EVENTS Rabbi Perry is available to share life cycle events with ourmembers, including baby namings, weddings, and funerals congregation Shalom has its own section within the Beth El Cemetery in Lowell, MA.

YOUTH GROUPS The Shalomites, our Temple youth group for grades 8-12, engage in social, educational, and religious activities as well as address issues of social action. High School age Shalomites belong to a regional organization, The New England Federation of Temple Youth.

OUTREACH Our Rabbi and congregation are committed ot reaching out to those members of our Temple family who are intermarried, to those who were not raised as Jews, and to those who converted to Judaism. Outreach programs assist all members to feel comfortale with Judaism and the synagogue’s mission.

O U R M I S S I O N

J E W I S H E D U C AT I O N

PRESCHOOL Classes for children ages 3-5 accompanied by their parent(s) are held monthly during the academic year. They are scheduled to coincide with Jewish Holidays and are an

opportunity for young children to learn about and celebrate these holidays. There is a nominal charge for these classes, and non-mebers are welcome. For dates and registration, contact the Education Director.

HEBREW SCHOOL Hebrew classes are conducted on Wednesday afternoons. Hebrew is

taught from a primarily liturgical perspective, but some modern Hebrew is included. Formal Hebrew classes begin in the third grade.

RELIGIOUS SCHOOL Religious school for kindergarten through 7th grade meets regularly on Sunday mornings. 8th grade through Confirmation (10th grade) meets on Wednesday evenings. An 11th-12th grade Post-Confirmation class meets monthly with our Rabbi. Religious School curricular objectives include a sese of identification and commitment to Judaism and the Jewish people and stress an appreciation of Judaism’s historical, ethical and religious values. Social action activities are integrated into the curriculum. Family education is also becoming a central part of our program. Most importantly, we strive to help our students feel the joys of being Jewish.

Primary Grades Focus is on the customs and ceremonies of the Jewish holidays, giving special emphasis to home and synagogue

observance and participation. A primary goal is to form positive attitudes toward Jewish life. Attention is also given to learning simple prayers and to familiarizing students with outstanding Jewish personalities. Children are given an opportuity to develop their spirituality and connection with God.

Intermediate Grades Here the focus shifts to Bible, ethics, and Israel, and students acquire greater familiarity with the Hebrew prayers of the service. Participation in religious services is included s part of the instruction. Students begin to understand the importance of Torah in their lives as Jews.

ADULT EDUCATION Congregation Shalom is committed to the Jewish value that learning is a life-long pursuit. We provide opportunities for adult members of the congregation to study Torah, Hebrew and other areas of Jewish life. Rabbi Perry also teaches introduction to Judaism courses with the sponsorship of the Reform Movement. These classes are open to the broader community.

WORSHIP At Congregation Shalom, the spiritual journey of prayer, meditation, ritual and personal reflection are an important part of our community’s mission. We offer a wide range of spiritual experiences – something for everyone – including Sunset Shabbat services, Tot Shabbat, Family Shabbat services, Meditation and Drumming. Our hope is for people to find a connection between heart, mind and spirit, and enjoy a strengthened sense of community.

Music is an essential part of our worship experience. From traditional cantorial melodies during the High holidays, to more contemporary arrangements year-round, you’ll hear an inspiring range of voices and styles.

S P I R I T U A L G R O W T H

HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS Throughout the year, we join as a community to celebrate the Jewish holidays. Special highlights include a communal break-fast on Yom Kippur, and a community Passover seder.

Congregation Shalom was founded by Jews from an eclectic group of backgrounds; therefore our worship services are nonjudgemental and inclusive. Everyone is invited to join us in prayer and celebration.

T I K K U M O L A M Tikkun Olam, repairing the world, is infused in every aspect of our Temple community. As Jews we are committed to healing, whether it be our Temple world, our surrounding communities, or supporting and lobbying for national and international social and political issues. Our Congregation provides its members with many opportunities for social action. Our programs benefit women’s shelters, the homeless and the hungry, the elderly, and our environment. By reaching out to people in need, we not only help to repair the world, but also strengthen our Jewish identity and provide an important example of our values for our children.

Ongoing Tikkun Olam projects include supporting our local food pantry, conducting blood drives, providing supplies to men and women serving our country overseas, sending supplies to an orphanage in South Africa, serving meals at shelters during the holidays, providing companionship and

music for the elderly at our local senior center and cleaning up local parks. Members of all ages are encouraged to participate in Tikkun Olam activities.

www.congregationshalom.org