The synagogue is not only egalitarian but accepting of people with different backgrounds, never…read morejudging, and always welcoming. The Rabbi has so many talents as a religious leader, educator, musician, scholar, and soul searcher. Some go to pray but I go to question and learn. There is a real sense of community. The Rabbi relates to everyone young and old but has a very special relationship with children. One child called Or Shalom his "Sing-a-gogue." One of the favorite activities is the Rabbi's Sing-along, story telling on Sunday. There are lots of activities, speakers, movies, Zumba, Healing Circle, etc. and an outstanding Hebrew School. Many of the students who have graduated return to volunteer as teachers' aides. Some of them become "teen cantors". Like most synagogues, Or Shalom needs more young families to join. Newcomers are always welcomed.

Great synagogue and Jewish Community. Joint Hebrew School with B'nai Jacob. New member rates. I…read morehave been a member since childhood. Both kids were Bar/ Bat mitvahed here. Egalitarian and Progressive synagogue with Female Cantor on High Holidays.

Great People, Great Rabbi, Great Kiddush Also does a lot of…read moremitzvah activities such as tutoring, food pantry collection, caring for refugee families, homeless, etc.

Ironically, Congregation Mishkan Israel is a progressive Reform synagogue whose roots go back to…read more1840. The congregation tends to be upper middle class, liberal in the classic sense, i.e. progressive without overdoing it. One of the few synagogues whose rabbi came out against the war in Iraq, early and without hesitation.

We joined here in 2022. Large community of young families from Woodbridge, Bethany and the…read moresurrounding towns.

We held our daughter's wedding at B'nai Jacob. A pleasure from start to finish. The staff walked…read moreus through all the details, patient and forthcoming for our every request. The day of went flawlessly, with the staff going above and beyond to make everyone happy. A beautiful setting and great price as well.