We wanted to find a way for all members of The SAJ to join together for meals. Kashrut is valued as a Jewish tradition. Since it is also the practice of some members of the congregation, we wanted to make sure that all our members would feel comfortable eating at a pot-luck meal. At the same time, we wanted to make sure that as many people as possible can cook or bring food to the potluck.
To balance these values, we have developed the following policy: Read more»
Adult Education-- Meaning and Meaningfulness in Prayer, Part II
Led by Rabbi Michael Strassfeld, we will study a number of sections of the Shabbat morning liturgy, including the Shema, to try to understand what the prayers mean. We hope to develop a more profound understanding of hte prayers and how they affect the ways in which we choose to live our lives. Class is at 8:00PM on Tuesdays, October 19, 26; November 2, 9, 16
Engaging Spiritual Life
The SAJ is committed to the spiritual lives of its congregants. Congregants take an active role in all aspects of the service. Cantor Arbisser welcomes everyone to sing with her throughout the service. Rabbi Strassfeld leads a Torah discussion as opposed to delivering a sermon. Read more»
Services
Services at the SAJ are special. Rabbi Strassfeld is committed to a prayer service that is meaningful. Read more»
Kashrut Policies for Pot-Luck Meals
A message from Rabbi Michael Strassfeld:
In response to a request by the Hebrew School Committee, I developed a new policy for The SAJ that would allow for pot-luck meals at the synagogue. This policy was approved by the Ritual Committee and approved by the Board of Directors.
Everyone was interested in finding a way for members of The SAJ to join together for meals and programs without the cost of catered dinners being a deterring factor. Yet, at the same time, we wanted to pay attention to the laws of kashrut (Jewish dietary laws). Read more»
Community meals are an important part of the SAJ community. Learn about our potluck dinners and Shabbat Kiddush. Read more»
Cantor Lisa Shapanka Arbisser
Cantor Lisa Shapanka Arbisser brings a passion for Jewish music and a profound dedication to Jewish community life and learning to her role as cantor of the SAJ. Read more»
