Who are We?

Or Shalom is a Conservative synagogue affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. It is an egalitarian synagogue in that men and women are both counted for minyan and both are able to receive honours at the Bimah. Congregation Or Shalom has a variety of ungoing programs offering something for all family members.

What is Conservative Judaism?

A vibrant religious movement, Conservative Judaism began in 19th century Europe as a traditional Halachic form of Judaism. It seeks to retain traditional Jewish practice yet remains open to cautious change based on the needs of modernity and the community.

Our History

The first Conservative synagogue in London was incorporated in 1940 under the name of United Jewish League. In 1944 it joined with a previously Orthodox congregation called B’nai Israel. In 1960 a synagogue was built at Huron and Adelaide Streets. In 1966 further construction was completed and, with the amalgamation of B’Nai Israel and B’Nai Moses ben Judah, Congregation Or Shalom was formed.

Where to Find Us

Or Shalom is located at 534 Huron Street, near Adelaide Street, and is easily accessible by public transportation. Or Shalom’s next door neighbour is the Jewish Community Centre and the “Village”, a senior citizen’s complex also serving the Jewish community of London. Attached by a breezeway to Or Shalom is the Anna Leff Youth Centre used by Jewish youth of the community, in particular Kadima and USY. Meeting rooms are available along with a dairy kitchen and a gym which is used on a regular basis by different aerobics, exercise, basketball and dance groups. Contact the Synagogue Office, 438-3081 to make rental arrangements.

Our Religious Services

At Or Shalom we are very proud of the dignified and traditional manner in which our services are conducted.

 Our shul is an evolving egalitarian congregation. This means that women as well as men are encouraged to grow in religious practice and observance of such mitzvot as Tallit, Tefillin and Torah. At the present time, women are equal constituents of the minyan and participate equally with respect to the Torah and its aliyot.

We hold a minyan Monday and Friday at 7:00 a.m., followed by a light breakfast. On Monday mornings, women are eligible to lead the service. All Sunday services are at 9:15 a.m. and on Statutory Holidays, at 9:00 a.m.

 On Shabbat and Festival mornings, our services begin at 9:15 a.m. We use the Siddur Sim Shalom and are following the Triennial Torah reading cycle of the United Synagogue. We also have evening services on the first night of Yom Tov.

Our services on High Holy Days are enhanced by a very fine volunteer choir and by talented lay leaders who assist our Cantor and our Rabbi in making the worship experience a most meaningful one.

 We welcome the participation of all our members in whatever capacity they feel comfortable – from leading services, to chanting a Haftarah, to receiving an Aliyah. The Rabbi, Cantor or any of the officers will be more than happy to assist you in whatever way they can. Or Shalom is a user-friendly shul and we are all very approachable and eager to meet you.

Educational Activities

Or Shalom Talmud Torah is a supplementary school providing first class Jewish education for children from primary to high school levels. For further information, please contact the Synagogue Office, 438-3081

For adults and families, there are a variety of classes conducted by the Rabbi and other members of the community including Hebrew, Siddur and Talmud. Well-known scholars from the Conservative movement visit on a regular basis. Conversion classes are offered on an as-needed basis. For more information about current classes, check your bulletin or call the Synagogue Office.

Or Shalom Talmud Torah

The Or Shalom Talmud Torah is open to all students 7 to 17 years old. Under the auspices of the United Synagogue, our school offers a comprehensive Hebrew and Judaic studies curriculum. Studies are augmented by special events and projects. Art, drama and music also supplement the program.

Our school is under the direct leadership of our Rabbi, Rabbi Ammos Chorny. Our teacher at this time, is Yodfat Snir. School hours of operation are Tuesday 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. and Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Adult Education

Or Shalom’s adult education program, known as JEM is a joint program with Temple Israel and is a lively part of the synagogue’s programming. Weekly classes are taught by a wide variety of experts from the local community. Classes address contemporary Jewish topics, ranging from the role of Jews in political life to Jewish views of sexuality or klezmer music. In addition, a number of special events are held throughout the year.

The goal of JEM is to provide stimulating, high-quality Jewish education to busy adults who have a wide variety of Jewish learning backgrounds. Interested congregants are encouraged to attend.

Or Shalom Youth

Or Shalom Youth is a vibrant, successful organization dedicated to the Jewish Youth of London, and in particular, the Or Shalom congregation. It is divided into four separate groups, according to age. All youth groups provide a diverse range of activities, ensuring a combination of Jewish and social programming. Our staff are comprised of previous members of our youth groups and students from the University of Western Ontario.

 Or Shalom Youth is a member of the youth section of the Ontario Region of Conservative Judaism. Our groups (USY, Kadima, Pre-Kadima, Nitzanim & Shorashim) are given the opportunity to participate in regional conventions attended by peers from all over Ontario. Other regional programs include dances and sports tournaments.

 Our groups consist of Shorshim - 3 to 5 years old, Nitzanim - grade 1 to 3, Pre- Kadima – Grade 4 & 5, Kadima – Grade 6 to 8, & USY – grade 9 to 12.

 Our oldest youth group goes by the name London Ontario United Synagogue Youth (LOUSY). Contrary to what the name implies, we have a very successful USY program. USY-ers are 13 to 18 years old and are given a level of responsibility consistent with their age group. LOUSY has its own elected executive which plans all of its own programs, under the supervision of our USY advisors. USY usually meets twice per month, at various times.

 Attending one program with either of our youth groups is sure to provide a fun Jewish experience. Please feel free to call the Youth Office director, Yodfat Snir at 519-204-0980 with comments or questions.

Or Shalom Sisterhood & Or Shalom Men’s Club

Or Shalom Sisterhood

Or Shalom Sisterhood is affiliated with the International Women’s League for Conservative Judaism. The mandate is to support and strengthen Jewish values and practices throughout life’s stages. This is accomplished by providing Jewish education, promoting Jewish social contact and friendship and involving Jewish women in a group concerned about community, national and world affairs.

The London Sisterhood supports the Afternoon School and the Or Shalom Library. They publish the London Jewish directory, run the Judaica gift shop at Or Shalom, present all Bar/Bat Mitzvah students with Chumashim and cater kiddushim for holidays and special occasions. The Sisterhood also raises funds for synagogue maintenance and beautification. Sisterhood activities also include ongoing adult education programs.

Sisterhood holds a Simcha Kiddush once a month. If you ‘d like to use this opportunity to celebrate a special occasion, call Laraine Hurwitz, 642-1371.

 This vibrant, active group welcomes all women to enjoy a friendly, varied and satisfying opportunity to be part of the congregation and the extended family of Conservative Jewish women.

Or Shalom Men’s Club

Or Shalom Men’s Club is open to all family members. 

-          They hold periodic Sunday morning breakfast programs on interesting topics, including participation in the World Wide Wrap involving the laying of Tefillin.

-          The give an engraved kiddush cup to all B’nai and B’not Mitzvot and a special book to grieving members of Or Shalom, as well as other special programs.

Or Shalom programs, Services & Events

Severalprograms held byOr Shalom are always successful and have become tradition. Friday night dinners are held several times a year. This is a wonderful way to welcome Shabbat with the Or Shalom family. The evening is filled with conversation, singing and good food. Imagine – no cooking and no dishes on Friday night! Several first-class lectures are held throughout the year sponsored by individual memorial funds. Check your Bulletin for specific dates and topics.

 

Bulletin

To keep our members fully informed of Or Shalom’s happenings, a bulletin is mailed on a regular basis. Yahrtzeit notices are sent out each month.

Choir

Our delightful choir enhances the High Holiday services.

 

Family B’Nai-Mitzvot Classes

Five weeks of classes involving parents and children.

Gift Shop

Need a gift with flair that shows you care? Try the Or Shalom Gift Shop, an Or Shalom Sisterhood project. The shop carries a full line of cards, books and Jewish religious objects including seder plates, candle holders, games for the children, havdalah sets, kippot and mezzuzot, among other things. Open by appointment by calling Anna Leich, Fern Tepperman or Gayle Marcus at 438-3081.

 

Sick Visitation

Visitation of the sick is available. Please notify the Synagogue Office if someone you know is in the hospital.

Cemetery

A Jewish cemetery is located in London. There is a cemetery committee and a Chevrah Kadisha (Burial Society).

London Jewish Directory

Or Shalom Sisterhood publishes the London Jewish Directory, a fund-raiser which includes everything you need and want to know about the Jewish Community. These can be purchased from the Synagogue Office, 438-3081.  

Library

A complete library is available with many books related to Jewish interest. Books may be borrowed for a period of four weeks. Library hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (weekdays). Our librarians are Judy Silver and Lorna Brook. A library fund is available for donations toward the purchase of new books. To donate books, please call Judy Silver, 642-0824.

Donations

If you are looking for a way to send a greeting or honour someone in a special way, call the Synagogue Office 438-3081. For a Sisterhood donation, call Debbie Rosenzweig, 472-3183.                   If you wish a leaf or stone on the Tree of Life, call Shelley Sukerman, 858-3342.

 You may wish to contribute to our Wall, to help support educational projects. Want to sponsor a Kiddush in honour of a birthday, anniversary or baby naming? Call Laraine Hurwitz, 642-1371. Other special fund are available. For details on any donations, please consult the Synagogue Office, 438-3081.

Social Hall

Our beautiful refurbished social hall awaits your simcha. It is available for luncheons, dinners, dances, weddings, Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrations and any other events. Kosher catering is available through the following certified caterers: Aroma, D.J. Catering, Waldo’s, and Levey Catering (Toronto) or any other approved Kosher caterer. Thank you for your interest in becoming a member of Congregation Or Shalom.

Kiddush for the congregation is held each Sabbath in the social hall. You may wish to sponsor a kiddush in honour of an event or family celebration.   This may be easily arranged by calling the Or Shalom Sisterhood.

The social hall can seat between 250-275 without dancing and between 215-225 with dance space. Overflow to a patio in the summer months increases flexibility and creativity for your affair. The classic and elegant décor provides the perfect milieu for any event. Further information about bookings can be obtained by calling the Synagogue Office, 438-3081.