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. 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.
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. Marjorie Miller leads special meetings of the group, and Rabbi Ostrich leads discussions about how the Torah relates to our modern lives.
Programs & Events
Keep your eye on this section for future programs and events offered by Congregation Brit Shalom.
Of Note
We Stand With the Israeli People
The Union of Reform Judaism of which we are affiliated is “committed to a Jewish, democratic state of Israel, flourishing in peace and security. We are committed to the safety and vitality of the Jewish people and to a secure and just state of Israel as a home - for all Jews and its inhabitants.”
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.
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)