Sunday, Sept. 9, 1–4 pm
The high holidays are approaching and for some in the Tidewater Jewish community, it’s time to choose a synagogue to attend services and, perhaps, eventually join.
The Internet is an option for area temple discovery, as is the Shalom Tidewater website, www.shalomtidewater.org.
This year, though, another option is available: area synagogues are holding an Open House at the Simon Family Jewish Community Center.
Representatives from all area temples and synagogues will be available to explain, one-on-one, what they can offer in terms of community, education, affiliation and support.
“This is a great opportunity for new residents to our area, or unaffiliated members, or those looking for something different, to find out—in a welcoming and neutral setting—about houses of worship in Tidewater,” explains Rebecca Bickford, Community Concierge for the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater. “It’s designed to be casual, informational and pressure-free.”
At the same time visitors are doing some “Back-to-Shul” shopping, they can also find out what the JCC has to offer during a membership Open House, scheduled to run concurrently with the synagogue Open House. JCC staff will be onsite, and can answer questions about the cultural events it hosts during the year, the Jewish educational opportunities offered at the JCC, and the J’s state-of-the-art fitness center and classes.
Children’s activities will be offered throughout the Open Houses, including the creation of a New Year’s card that will be sent to active duty military.
by Laine M. Rutherford