Congregation Brit Shalom
State College, Pennsylvania
We are an inclusive and diverse community whose members come from a variety of Jewish (and not Jewish) backgrounds. We embrace the meaning, inspiration, and ideals found in Reform Judaism. We offer religious and cultural education for children and adults and social events for all.
Our worship seeks to encourage a vibrant spiritual life, through music, Torah readings, and observance of milestones in our lives, from birth to death and including marriage and naming ceremonies.
All human beings are created in the image of God and carry within them the divine spark.
At this troubled time in our national life, we honor the sanctity of each life, and add our voices to the call for justice. A statement of Jewish values, demanding an end to racism and discrimination, has been issued by our synagogue leadership.
The Jewish imperative of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) implores us to do acts of righteousness. In keeping with Tikkun Olam, community outreach and social action activities are integral to the life of our synagogue.
Health Policy
Following the May 11, 2023 suspension of the COVID-19 health emergency declaration by the Department of Health and Human Services, masking in the synagogue is now optional. To help safeguard the health of our congregants, we would appreciate those of you that may experience cold, flu or COVID-like symptoms to use your discretion in attending synagogue functions.
Remember October Seventh
We Stand With Israel
To quote the World Jewish Congress: “For Jews the world over, Israel is more than just our eternal homeland, it is the beating heart and soul of our people.
”Congregation Brit Shalom condemns the atrocities perpetrated by Hamas and stands together to support the Israeli people.
Local donations can be made by designating “Israel Emergency Relief” on the State College Jewish Federation donation website.
The war in Ukraine has created a humanitarian crisis
The war in Ukraine has created a crisis for its people, Jews and non-Jews alike. We can demonstrate solidarity with the relief efforts of our greater community by donating through the State College Jewish Federation. Some other organizations to consider are: Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS), Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), and World Union for Progressive Judaism (WUPJ).
Shabbat Worship Services
Weekly Shabbat services usually held on Fridays at 7:00 pm on Fridays are in-person at the Synagogue AND simultaneously broadcast via Livestream. Because of the invasion of Israel and antisemitism rising around the world, we will be erring on the side of caution for upcoming Friday evening services and lock the outside doors at 7:10pm.
Performance of Children’s Choir During Pride Shabbat Services (May 8, 2024)
Our purple congregational prayer book is Siddur B’rit Shalom. If you intend to join us via Livestream for a good amount of time, please contact Rabbi Ostrich (rabbiostrich@britshalomstatecollege.org), and we will make arrangements for you to borrow a prayer book.
Tot Shabbat services for babies through preschool-age and Youth Shabbat services for children in kindergarden through second grade are also being held. See the list of Upcoming Programs to find the dates of these events as well as the dates of special holiday services.
Education
Our Religious School and its extracurricular activities is a Kindergarten through 7th grade program aimed at preparing kids for Bar/Bat Mitzvah, fostering Jewish identity, and building community. A program especially for young children are the weekly Storytimes led by Marjorie Miller, the Director of Religious Education and Youth Engagement.
For more information on enrolling in Religious School for the 2022-23 school year, email Marjorie Miller at Marjorie.Stromberg@gmail.com
The independently operated JCC Nursery School meets in the education wing of the synagogue.
Our Adult Education consists of classes led and coordinated by Rabbi Ostrich as well as a variety of speakers scheduled by our Program Committee.
Brit Shalom Teens are engaged in mitzvahs, social events and other programs. Each month, Marjorie Miller leads special meetings of the group, and Rabbi Ostrich leads discussions about how the Torah relates to our modern lives.
Upcoming Programs
Keep your eye on this section for future programs offered by Congregation Brit Shalom.
Of Note
New Members Corner
Welcome to our new members and their families.
When you see them, be sure to say hello.
Michelle and Mason Rogers
Michelle and Mason moved from Oregon to State College in 2023 so Michelle could attend Penn State Law. They are excited to be part of the congregation and recently celebrated their wedding at Brit Shalom in September. They enjoy attending various sporting events and traveling--often with their dog, Marta, in tow.
Lisa Anne Davis
I am so excited to fulfill a long-term dream of mine to join a Jewish congregation and connect with my Jewish heritage! I grew up in the great city of Pittsburgh and have been a resident of Centre County since 1983, after moving here for “just six months or so.” I live in Boalsburg with my husband Mark, and our soon-to-be-21-year-old daughter, Rachel.
The Shelden Family
Rachel, Andy, Sam (8), and Ben Shelden (4)--moved to State College from Norman, Oklahoma in Fall 2019. Rachel is an Associate Professor of History and Director of the Richards Civil War Era Center at Penn State, and Andy is a freelance writer and editor.
The Cameron Family
Lauren and Daryl Cameron have lived in State College since 2016 and both work at Penn State. Their kids Nathaniel, Ada, Sophie, and Ben appreciate the variety of playgrounds around town and enjoy hiking as a family in the many state parks around the area. In the winter, the family can usually be found reading books in front of their fireplace.
Simon the Righteous, Leader of the Great Assembly, used to say,
"On three things does the world stand: on Torah, on Worship, and on Deeds of Lovingkindness." (Avot 1)
The donation of blood for the saving of lives is a mitzvah of Piku’ach Nefesh. To donate, just come to the synagogue’s social hall anytime between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm on Tuesday December 24. You can either drop in. Or to save wait time, schedule an appointment by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visiting RedCrossBlood.org.