About Bais abraham congregation
Bais Abraham Congregation: An Inclusive and Welcoming Orthodox Community
Bais Abraham Congregation is an Orthodox Jewish community that prides itself on being open, welcoming, and diverse. With very low barriers to entry, such as no High Holiday tickets and few expectations of observance, Bais Abraham has created a culture of inclusivity that reflects its membership. This membership includes Jews and non-Jews, gay and straight individuals and families, Jews of color, interfaith families, and a growing population of self-defined “secular” Israelis.
At Bais Abraham Congregation, the mission is to provide every person with a sense of belonging no matter where they stand in their Jewish journey. The community believes in creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable expressing themselves authentically while still adhering to traditional Jewish values.
The congregation's leadership team consists of Rabbi Hyim Shafner who has been serving the community since 2008. He is known for his engaging sermons that are both thought-provoking and inspiring. Rabbi Shafner's approachable demeanor makes him accessible to all members regardless of their level of observance or background.
Bais Abraham offers various programs throughout the year designed to cater to different interests within the community. These programs include weekly Torah study sessions led by Rabbi Shafner himself as well as classes on topics such as Talmudic law or Jewish history taught by other members with expertise in these areas.
The congregation also hosts social events like potluck dinners or game nights which provide opportunities for members to connect with one another outside formal religious services. Additionally, Bais Abraham offers youth programming for children ranging from preschool age through high school.
One unique aspect about Bais Abraham is its commitment to social justice issues both within the local St Louis area as well as globally. The congregation partners with organizations like Habitat for Humanity or IsraAID (an Israeli-based humanitarian aid organization) on various projects throughout the year.
Bais Abraham Congregation is located in the University City neighborhood of St Louis, Missouri. The synagogue building itself is a beautiful example of Gothic Revival architecture and has been designated as a historic landmark by the city.
In conclusion, Bais Abraham Congregation is an Orthodox Jewish community that prides itself on being inclusive and welcoming to all. With its low barriers to entry and diverse membership, Bais Abraham provides a sense of belonging for everyone regardless of their background or level of observance. The congregation's leadership team led by Rabbi Hyim Shafner offers engaging programming throughout the year designed to cater to different interests within the community. Additionally, Bais Abraham's commitment to social justice issues both locally and globally sets it apart from other synagogues in the area.