Thank you for asking about Congregation Rodeph Shalom. I hope that once you learn about us, you will want to join our growing family. This historic Congregation is one of the oldest in the nation, but we are renewing ourselves virtually every day. We offer many opportunities for you to connect to Judaism through study, prayer, social action and more.

As Rabbi, my responsibilities encompass many facets of the Congregation. Conducting Shabbat and Festival services with Rabbi Holzman and Rabbi Maderer is a joyful experience. A matter of great significance is serving our members as they experience significant life cycle events. These rabbinic roles include officiating at weddings, participating in conversions, tutoring students for their Bar and Bat Mitzvah, teaching Confirmation class and comforting members and their families in times of need.

We are experiencing a great renewal at Rodeph Shalom. This is a time of reflection and growth, a time when many members of our Congregation are taking an active interest in our future and in their personal development as Reform Jews. Meaningful activities are available for people of all ages, from our Young Friends to families in our Religious School, empty-nesters, older adults, singles and many others.

We are truly dedicated to being a "Congregation of Learners." In addition to courses and lectures, Torah Study is a regular occurrence every Saturday morning. Periodically, clergy offer special "Introduction to Judaism" sessions to both congregational members and non-members.

The staff is always here to serve you. However, our members are Rodeph Shalom's true leaders. They lead our congregation through participation on committees, Membership, RiSe Up! House of Social Action and parental oversight of the Religious School. Along with Rabbi Holzman, Rabbi Maderer, Rabbi Frisch, the Trustees and myself, members create and influence the celebration of Reform Judaism at Rodeph Shalom.

In addtion to our regular Shabbat services, on Friday evenings, we hold Shabbat services at Gratz College in suburban Melrose Park. The RS Bulletin, published twice a month, is your tour guide for participation, along with our web site. Come and be with us. You will find our members warm and welcoming, interesting and full of energy.

Be sure to introduce yourself to me and my wife, Emily, so we may get to know you. I hope you will join us to renew and be renewed, to nurture your spirit and be with us as friends.

rabbikuhn@rodephshalom.org

The only architectural feature required in every synagogue is windows. What we at RS do inside the building must be informed by the world around us, the mysteries of Creation, and some of the miseries of creation. We have been committed to our North Philadelphia location for over a century, and we consider ourselves the quintessential urban synagogue in our mission as well. Our obligation of tikkun olam, repair of the world, is at the center of our spirituality and our program. Therefore, when we study Torah or we engage in worship, we hope that those experiences motivate us to create a better world. Through our RiSe Up! House of Social Action we offer a variety of opportunities for adults, teens and children to make a difference and we are always hoping to expand our base of ideas and activities. So pick a project, roll up your sleeves, and help to make religion relevant and helpful in our broken world.

rabbiholzman@rodephshalom.org

How does Judaism fit into our lives? This challenging question is one we seek to address in the four pillars of congregational life: House of Study, House of Prayer, House of Social Action and House of Community. I truly believe that Judaism can have sacred meaning for Jews of all ages, adults new to Jewish study, life-long involved Jews, interfaith couples, feminists, agnostics, and individuals of any background, sexual orientation, or philosophical point of view. And I believe that everyone who participates in this community has something to contribute to it. Consider how you can find your niche in this diverse community. Or even better, contact me so that we can talk about it together!