Top 10 Questions about Ohev Shalom

1. How big is the congregation?
2. Where is the synagogue?
3. Will I or my family feel welcome?
4. What if part of my family is not Jewish?
5. How much will it cost?
6. What if I can’t afford it?
7. What is there to do?
8. Who can I or we talk with?
9. How do I join?
10. What if I never joined a synagogue before?

1. How big is the congregation? (top)

Ohev Shalom has 330 member families. Our synagogue encourages membership for small families, including empty nesters, large families, singles as well as interfaith families. We are a conservative synagogue that welcomes members with varying traditional views and practices.

2. Where is the synagogue? (top)

Ohev Shalom is very conveniently located in Delaware County We are a hop skip and a jump from both I-95 and Route 476 (the Blue Route). Click the directions link for more detail and a map.

3. Will I or my family feel welcome? (top)

Ohev Shalom is a people-centered congregation. Because of our size, most congregants know or at least recognize each other. So, it makes welcoming a new face into our community very easy. We have often been described as “warm," “easy to get to know” and just plain comfortable.We make special efforts to reach out to newcomers and help create mentors for making that “fitting in“ period a little easier. We even have something called havurot to help you make friends with people who share your interests.

4. What if part of my family is not Jewish? (top)

Interfaith families are genuinely welcome at Congregation Ohev Shalom. So we invite the Jewish individual/s to be a member, while welcoming the non-Jewish individual/s to become part of our community. Following the tenants of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, certain activities are limited -- but not many. Our Rabbi and Executive Director can review these specifically.

In reality, it is pretty difficult to know who is Jewish and who is not at Ohev. We have an Interfaith Committee and a special Interfaith Havurah. It is just part of Jewish life today and we want everyone to feel comfortable in our spiritual home away from home.

5. How much will it cost? (top)

Understanding the importance of dues in synagogue life and for our membership, Ohev Shalom has a fair share dues policy. We structure our membership contributions based on total income. With that said, we also want new members to join our congregation because it feels right!

We offer the first six month’s dues FREE! Yes, absolutely no dollars are expected to be paid during the first six months; that way you “try us on.” We simply ask that you complete a full membership application, including the expected level of payment for the remainder of the year. Your expenses will be those associated with events, and any donations you may wish to make. Even the High Holiday tickets are included first year for FREE!

After that we ask that you begin paying dues at the level you selected.

6. What if I can’t afford it? (top)

We have a discreet Dues Adjustment committee who will work privately with your and your family to structure a membership fee that works for you and the synagogue. Just let our membership outreach chairperson know and the ball will be in motion.

7. What is there to do? (top)

We are busy! As you can see from the calendars posted on line, we are a happening place. Our programs are designed to reach the many needs of our members. Our Mispallelim Hebrew School program is comprehensive and has a wonderful reputation for educational as well as innovative activities. We have Sisterhood, Men’s Club, Veteran Groups, and more. Our adult programs include education, leisure/fun and social action programs. Click on the links to learn more about each group's activities.

8. Who can I or we talk with? (top)

Ohev Shalom has an outreach team for membership. You are welcome to call our executive director at 610.874.1465. He will then have our membership chair, Joel Fein, call you. Or you can send us an email using the form below (you know the old fill-in-the-blanks and click "submit") and we will respond electronically or by phone, too. (top)

9. How do I join? (top)

Joining is simple, just fill out the application and send it in. You can download a copy in Adobe Acrobat PDF format here, or we'll be happy to mail one to you. Once we get it, consider yourself a member. We will get back to you promptly.

10. What if I never joined a synagogue before? (top)

Even if you have never joined a synagogue, or don’t know a lot about “being Jewish," we will make it easy.

Ohev Shalom is a learning and teaching place. We will help and guide you in any area you wish to discover. All it takes is a call or a question. Please feel free to call, email or visit. Ohev Shalom welcomes you!

Click here to contact us electronically or call 610.874-1465!