Ohev Sholom Congregation
The National Synagogue, Ohev Shalom (Hebrew for Lovers of Peace,) is an Orthodox congregation in Washington, DC.
Membership fell in the late twentieth century as Jewsih families moved to the suburbs. Early in the new century, a number of families who preferred urban life decided to attempt to revive Jewish life in the Shepherd Park neighborhood. Hiring a new rabbi, Shmuel Herzfeld, was formerly the associate Rabbi at the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale synagogue headed by Rabbi Avi Weiss, was central to this effort. [1]
The synagogue is now noted for being one of the most vibrant and fastest-growing in the nation.
[2] [3] And for taking a number of unusual initiatives, including advertising its services with leaflets and television and radio spots, holding free Yom Kippur services, and the installation of ramps and elevators to insure that the synagogue is genuinely open to everyone. Renovations for handicapped access are not required by law in older houses of worship, nevertheless, the synagogue spent $150,000 to insure access to everyone. [4]
History
The synagogue was founded in 1886, and Al Jolson once served as cantor. [5]
In 1958, Ohev Sholom merged with congregation Talmud Torah, and the new congregation built the new, large limestone building that it still occupies today. [6]
The decision to dename the synagogue “The National Synagogue,” drew a good deal of criticism. [7] Rabbi Herzfeld defended the choice on the grounds that the name makes clear that the synagogue is welcoming and open to everyone. [8]
Notes
- ^ With rabbi's hiring, OSTT continues efforts to grow, by Aaron Leibel , Washington Jewish Week, 1/22/04
- ^ “Tradition for a New Generation, New Rabbi brings Life Back to 119 year old synagogue,” Andrea Useem, The Washington Examiner, May 26, 2005
- ^ Former Hebrew Institute rabbi now heads the 'National Synagogue,' John DeSio, 10/20/04 [1]
- ^ http://www.wsana.org/id75.html
- ^ A Rabbi's Unorthodox Revival, By Caryle Murphy, The Washington Post 9/15/2004
- ^ A Rabbi's Unorthodox Revival, By Caryle Murphy, The Washington Post 9/15/2004
- ^ A Rabbi's Unorthodox Revival, By Caryle Murphy, The Washington Post 9/15/2004
- ^ An Orthodox blossoming In District, traditional offerings grow, as do names , by Paula Amann, Washingotn Jewish Week, Mar 3, 2005