Reform Temple in NoVA - The Right Fit?

[Anonymous]

My family and I are looking for a reform synagogue in NoVA that offers the right fit.

We chose one initially that was just not us, and felt wounded by the experience. Neither my husband nor I are very religious but we want to find a place where we belong.

Our experience included Rabbi's who were inflexible with regard to Jewish learning, and seemed very motivated to please board members to the detriment of other members.

We never felt a sense of community or a warm nurturing environment. Is it possible to find that here? Truthfully, I belonged to two synagogues when I was a child in another state and never found it there either nor for that matter did my husband feel a strong connection to the synagogue he belonged as a child.

Is it realistic to feel like I could find a reform synagogue offering a warmer, hamish and social environment that would make us feel like we want to engage rather than retreat until the High Holy Days each year? We are willing to travel to Fairfax County, Arlington County and Alexandria.

[Anonymous]

Not to state the obvious, but have you tried Rodef Shalom?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not to state the obvious, but have you tried Rodef Shalom?

OP here. I know there aren't a lot of reform temples to consider. Should it be obvious because it's one of the larger ones? What can you tell me about it?

I'm also curious about Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation, Beth El and Kol Ami. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not to state the obvious, but have you tried Rodef Shalom?

OP here. I know there aren't a lot of reform temples to consider. Should it be obvious because it's one of the larger ones? What can you tell me about it?

I'm also curious about Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation, Beth El and Kol Ami. Thanks!

Rodef has a nice reputation but was too large for me.

I'm at Beth El and very happy. Once we are freed from our homes you can give it a try.

I sometimes go to Kol Ami. They are Reconstructionist. There are no nicer people to be found anywhere in Virginia. They are warm and inviting. Liturgically I needed something more main stream, so I didn't join, but I love their earnest commitment to meaningful spirituality and their welcoming ways.

[Anonymous]

We don’t attend any temple but live near NVHC and people seem to really like it.

[Anonymous]

I liked B'nai Shalom a lot when I visited, but that was a while back. It was just too far away from me to make it work but maybe it would be good for you?

[Anonymous]

I think the best thing for you to do is to start with the synagogue closest to your house and work your way further until you find the one that’s a good fit. We love Rodef Shalom. It’s got lots of kids which is important to my family, close by which is essential with multiple trips there per week for religious school and midweek Hebrew class, and I find the services warm and engaging. It’s large but welcoming.

[Anonymous]

Beth El. Great new rabbi started this year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Beth El. Great new rabbi started this year.

And the head of the religious school is also a rabbi. She is also quite good.