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Conservative Temples in Rockville/Potomac area? (Rec yours)
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Anonymous
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I was raised reform and my husband is conservative. We are interested in joining a conservative temple that will be comfortable for both of us. I do not want to go towards orthadox in any way. We are looking for someplace that is family friendly, welcoming, nice religious school, and has a rabbi with a good sense of humor but not egotistical (sorry, we've seen many of those...). If you have experiences, I would be thrilled to hear about them.
A plus, but not required would be a program for moms and babies (a "temple tots" or mommy and me type group) to get to know other members with children. Thank you! |
Anonymous
| Would you be open to Reconstructionist? Adat Shalom is great and in your area. They have a tot shabbat every Saturday. |
Anonymous
| No, that's not really our cup of tea. |
Anonymous
| What is your cup of tea? (Just trying to find out more to help- not being snarky). |
Anonymous
| Well we are interested in something that is not so large that we get lost in the congregation, which I know that can happen around there. We are hoping for something that can be personal We are looking for something that gears more to reform than orthadox but still within conservatism. We are being picky but we know it's out there! Both from New England, I think we are looking for a place that reminds us of "home". |
Anonymous
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I highly recommend Shaare Torah in the Lakelands of Gaithersburg/North Potomac. It's got a lot of members as you describe (one is conservative, spouse is reform). May even lean towards Reform in some aspects - many don't keep kosher in the house, much less out of the house. Majority are young families. Plenty of Tot Shabbat services. Has a nursery school, religious school, etc,... I think it would be perfect for you. The Rabbi is in his 30's and is very nice w/ a great sense of humor. He has 2 kids himself, so he's very understanding & tolerant of children.
http://www.shaaretorah.org |
Anonymous
| Do you want to send your kids to preschool at the synagogue? If so, I would start there. Find a preschool you like. That is a very good way to become connected and not lost in the community. You will automatically meet people through the preschool and it's a good way to pick a synagogue. |
Anonymous
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PP here:
I will look into Shaare Torah. Thank you! As for the preschool, it is something that we would highly consider but it is not required (as we have the JCC and other close by synagogues around here). |
Anonymous
I think that if you start to meet with the heads of the preschools and tell them you are also looking into joining for the long haul that will help. Some of the synagogues (Bnai Israel is one) have a deal where the membership fees for preschool families are the same as the difference in the member and non-member tuition so you'd basically be saving the membership dues during those years. Also, some preschools are hard (impossible) to get into if you are not a member. |
Anonymous
Great. I think you do NOT have to become a member of Shaare Torah until your child(ren) reaches 3rd grade in the hebrew school. |