Building Thriving Communities
How do we encourage robust communal engagement in light of the wider culture’s emphasis on personal autonomy?
Community
Dying Before You Die: Writing the Play ‘kaddish (how to be a sanctuary)’
A play, written by two products of Reconstructing Judaism, calls to us to speak across generational differences.
January 25, 2026
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Community
Adat Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation: Community Members with Intensive Commitments
The idea of intensive communal living was built into Reconstructionist Congregation Adat Shalom when Rabbi Sid Schwarz first founded it.
January 12, 2026
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Community
Building Community Through Mutual Responsibility and CareÂ
Called to serve, my gratitude anchored me in something far larger than myself.
January 12, 2026
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Community
How Strong a Community?
To be part of a strong community, one must give up some autonomy.
January 12, 2026
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Community
A Neurodivergent Congregant Reflects on Prayer Space Experiences
What we think of as a need for accommodation is more like a need for community.
July 13, 2025
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Community
Covid: Inclusive Jewish Communities Must Continue to Maintain Pandemic Safety Practices
In our shared community spaces, we take responsibility for centering the needs and safety of the most impacted people.
June 9, 2025
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3 Responses
It is community that brings us to Adat. And it manifests in many other ways, from social action to book discussions. The list is long.
Rabbi Scott captured the spirit of Adat Shalom for me here. How lucky are we to have him and the growing congregation!
Sitting in the sanctuary surrounded by glass facing an open landscape
Tucked under the tent-like structure above
Hearing the murmurs of voices in the hallway
Sensing the morning passing as sun beams play in through the windows
Smelling hints of a meal prepared by friends, known or not yet known
Surprised happily by new traditions like the shiny silver pitcher for washing hands
Reading the prayers together whether mumbled or clear
Anticipating what new visions will be shared by the rabbi as he speaks
Or what insights our fellow peers or lay leaders will explore
A Shabbat morning at our dear shul is a gift to all .. and lasts until the next Shabbat.
Yes Adat Shalom’s founding rabbi Sid Schwarz absolutely understood what having religious school on Shabbat would mean– And it was pure genius! It is and the participatory oneg are important ingredients in our magic sauce, along with having wonderful rabbis. You are now a key ingredient to what makes Adat Shalom so special and we are so lucky to have you!