What Makes Us Unique
Congregation Shalom Is the “Cheers” of Congregations in San Antonio
We are friendly and inviting; the congregation where everybody knows your name and every member matters. Our members are like family. We care for and about each other. Our membership is currently over 30 families, and we we hope to achieve smart growth so we can maintain our closeness. We are interested in welcoming more families that want what we do.
Congregation Shalom Is Progressive and Reform
Men and women participate equally in all aspects of religious life. We use the Reform prayerbook Mishkan T’filah, enjoy instrumental music, and employ a mixture of Hebrew and English. We like to try new things, using tradition and modernity as our guide. We are members of the Union for Reform Judaism.
Congregation Shalom Is Diverse
We are inclusive in every way and welcoming of all who seek to connect with Jewish life. Our congregation brings together people from diverse traditions and backgrounds who want to share a joyous spiritual and cultural experience. Our membership includes traditional and non-traditional Jews, interfaith families, LGBTQ+ and multi-racial individuals and families of all ages. Though a Reform congregation, our congregants come from Reform, Conservative and Orthodox backgrounds and no religious background at all. We seek to inspire our congregants to add meaning to their lives and make the world a better place. We are committed to creating a dynamic and innovative environment through worship, education, music, social action, and when safe to gather in person, fun community events.
Congregation Shalom Is Informal
We don’t stand on ceremony. We’re a “come as you are” congregation that takes Jewish life seriously, and we believe that Judaism is meant to be celebrated and engaging. We’re more about people than policies. And if you call the Congregation phone number, our rabbi is the one who answers!
Congregation Shalom Is Interactive
Our online services are conducted on Zoom Meeting, allowing for maximum interaction and participation in the service. Our rabbi’s Divrei Torah (commentaries) are often discussion style. Our services include piano accompaniment and guitar, and are sometimes member-led, by both women and men. Rabbi Lisa’s teaching style is engaging, and she invites participation. Our Book Club is led by members, and anyone who has an idea for programming can make it happen! We make Judaism accessible and interesting to all.
Congregation Shalom Is Egalitarian
Not only are we fully egalitarian in our religious life, but we are also egalitarian in the running of our congregation. Our governance structure is set up so that a small executive committee of three officers cooperates with our rabbi to set our monthly agenda and keep operations running smoothly. Our congregational meetings are run Town Hall Meeting style where all members who attend get an equal voice and vote. Meeting minutes and financial reports are sent to all Congregation members each month.
Congregation Shalom Is Flexible
As a new congregation, we’re not afraid to take chances and innovate. Have a great idea? You can make it happen at Congregation Shalom without impediments to creativity that can frustrate and stifle innovation.
Congregation Shalom Is Affordable
No one is turned away from membership because of an inability to pay. Congregation Shalom does not presently own its own facility, so there are no capital costs passed on to members. We have a small staff consisting of our rabbi and a part-time administrative coordinator, and our total annual budget is quite modest. We do ask every member to make a meaningful contribution as an investment in his/her own spiritual life and community. Our suggested annual commitment is $2,200 per family unit.
