Judaism is more than a religion: it is our history, literature, art and music, Israel and Hebrew, as well as our customs and ritual observances. Our sense of belonging is affirmed through our shared past, our collective values, and our communal experience of worship, study, and celebration.Our religious tradition – egalitarian, participatory, and inclusive – is a reflection of our ancestors’ search for meaning, purpose, and value. Whether you’re already an RSNS member, new to our community, or visiting, we hope you’ll join us throughout the year as we strive to deepen our connections with Judaism, each other, and improving the world.
Membership at RSNS offers you the opportunity to connect, belong, grow and help others. There is a place for you in our congregation, whether your background is traditional or secular, whether you are a recent Jew by choice or one whose lineage is generations long. We are an inclusive community composed of single members and of couples and families – traditional, non-traditional and interfaith.
For additional information about membership, please email Jane Buford, Membership Committee Chair () or Rabbi Jodie Siff ().
Services are held every Friday night at 7:30 p.m. During the school year, we hold a monthly hour-long Family Service that begins at 6:30 p.m. Shabbat morning services when there is a B’nei Mitzvah begin at 9:45 a.m. Our B’yahad (family participation) program is held on occasional Saturday mornings throughout the school year, beginning with a parallel children’s and adult Torah study at 9:00 a.m. and family services from 10:15-11:00 a.m., followed by a light kiddush lunch. See our monthly calendar for exact dates and times.
Reconstructionist Judaism is a progressive, dynamic approach to Jewish life that explores the Judaism of the past through a contemporary, intellectual and spiritual lens. Many of the practices common in American Judaism today (bat mitzvah, girl baby-naming) were Reconstructionist innovations.
For Reconstructionists, Judaism is a civilization encompassing history, literature, art and music, land and language. It reflects our ancestors’ search for meaning, purpose, and values. In our own search, we are egalitarian, participatory, and open to varying views.
We are respectful of traditional Jewish practice but also open to new interpretations and forms of Jewish religious expression. We believe that tradition has a voice but not a veto.
As Reconstructionist Jews, we live in two civilizations: the Jewish and the American. We believe that Judaism strengthens, and takes strength from, the democratic heritage of America by applying democratic principles to Jewish life.
Click here to go to the Gan Shalom page on our website. For more information, please email our Nursery School Director, Adrienne Rosen () or call her at 516-627-6274 ext 219.
It is our goal to help you raise your children with a deep appreciation, understanding, and excitement for Jewish life in its various manifestations–religious, cultural, spiritual and communal. We strive to create a climate of acceptance and security, where all questions are honored and each child is appreciated within our caring community. We seek to create within our school that which we look for throughout the congregation–a caring community. We hope to provide each child with the tools to lead full Jewish lives.
Children are taught to love and honor the language of our tradition as they learn the alef-bet. Through song, prayer, and stories they deepen their knowledge of Hebrew. In addition to basic vocabulary, children learn both Friday night and Shabbat morning liturgies, trope, as well as selected holiday prayers.
Adult learning is a vital part of our congregation. Building community is at the heart of RSNS and our educational programs reflect the belief that Judaism is experienced in mind, body, and soul. From Congregational Dinners, Shabbat Seminars. Clergy Connections, Israeli Film, and Yoga, there is something for everyone at RSNS! Click here to be taken to our Lifelong Learning Page.
Our synagogue is an active, exciting community of dedicated participants. In addition to participation in educational and religious programs, there are many committees and events that depend on talented, committed people. These include: Fundraising, Education, Mutual Support, Ritual, Program, Social Action, Finance, Membership and Publicity committees and the Purim Carnival, Mitzvah Day and Retreat.
Fill out our application online.
Prefer a paper copy? Download and print an application.
Call our office at 516-627-6274 with any questions.
