Inclusion

DEI Statement

צֶ֥דֶק צֶ֖דֶק תִּרְדֹּ֑ף

(Tzedek, Tzedek, Tirdof)

“Justice, justice, you shall pursue.”

Deuteronomy 16:20

Congregation Or Shalom’s doors are wide open to all.  We are dedicated to maintaining an inclusive spiritual, religious, intellectual, and social home based on Reform Jewish values and practices.  We welcome, respect, support, and value all members of our community.

We are Jews by birth and Jews by choice, multifaith households, people deciding whether to become Jewish, white Jews and Jews of color, and people with varying degrees of Jewish learning and experience.  We are two-parent and single-parent families, couples and individuals of all ages, and families formed by adoption and by birth.  We are multiracial families, individuals and couples of all sexual orientations and gender identities, people of varied education and socioeconomic backgrounds and levels, people with learning differences, and people with disabilities.

We believe that:

• Every person is created in God’s image and has equal value and dignity.
• Our community is enriched by diversity in all its forms.
• We benefit individually and as a community when we recognize that every person’s identity is a complex mix, and no one is defined by a single story.

We support opportunities for all members of our diverse community to participate in our worship, learning, and social activities; contribute to our Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) efforts; and join our congregational leadership.  

Our continued commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging requires active learning, reflection, vigilance, acceptance, and love. Personal and institutional transformations are necessary as we continue to learn how racial, social, and economic injustice remain prevalent in and outside of Jewish life.

Introduction to Judaism

If you are exploring Judaism, are new to Judaism, or if you simply want to learn about basic Jewish customs, practices, and beliefs, here is our easy-to-reference listing of websites and books.

Reading Materials:

1. My Jewish Learning
2. Reform Judaism website: Recommended Reading: Learn More About Judaism
3. Jewish Traditions: A JPS Guide
4. Essential Judaism: Updated Edition: A Complete Guide to Beliefs, Customs & Rituals, by George Robinson 
5. Tradition! Celebration and Ritual in Jewish Life, by Vicki L Weber 
6. 12 Great Introduction to Judaism Books (My Jewish Learning)
7. Jewish Book of Why, by Alfred J. Kolatch
8. The Source, by James Michener
9. Judaism for Dummies, By Ted Falcon and David Blatner
10. To Pray as a Jew: A Guide to the Prayer Book and the Synagogue Service, by Rabbi Hayim Halevy Donin
11. This is My God, by Herman Wouk