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.

 

All human beings are created in the image of God and carry within them the divine spark.

At this troubled time in our national life, we honor the sanctity of each life, and add our voices to the call for justice.  A statement of Jewish values, demanding an end to racism and discrimination, has been issued by our synagogue leadership.

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.

 



Health Policy

Following the May 11, 2023 suspension of the COVID-19 health emergency declaration by the Department of Health and Human Services, masking in the synagogue is now optional. To help safeguard the health of our congregants, we would appreciate those of you that may experience cold, flu or COVID-like symptoms to use your discretion in attending synagogue functions.

 

Remember October Seventh

We Stand With Israel

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.

Local donations can be made by designating “Israel Emergency Relief” on the State College Jewish Federation donation website.

 


The war in Ukraine has created a humanitarian crisis

The war in Ukraine has created a crisis for its people, Jews and non-Jews alike. We can demonstrate solidarity with the relief efforts of our greater community by donating through the State College Jewish Federation. Some other organizations to consider are: Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS), Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), and World Union for Progressive Judaism (WUPJ).

Succot and Simchat Torah 5785

Shabbat Services, Sukkot Observance, and Consecration of Our Newest Religious School Students : Friday October 18, 7:00 pm

Pizza in the Sukkah: Sunday October 20th, 11:30 am  

Taking Down the Sukkah: October 27, 2024, 10:00 am

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. Each month, Marjorie Miller leads special meetings of the group, and Rabbi Ostrich leads discussions about how the Torah relates to our modern lives.

 

Upcoming Programs

Keep your eye on this section for future programs offered by Congregation Brit Shalom.

Featured
Phone Banking to Get Out the Vote

During this event, organized by Josh Wretzel our Social Action VP, participants will meet over zoom.  Josh will say a few words, and then we will start calling newly-registered voters to encourage them to vote on election day.  It is a non-partisan event and anyone can participate.  This activity is scheduled at 9:45-11:15 on Sunday October 20 to make it friendly to religious school parents who are able to drop off their kids, zoom in, and make some calls.

Jim Ultman's Volun-Touring in Israel

Please join us for this presentation by Jim Ultman on Sunday October 20 at 2:00 in the social hall of the synagogue. Feeling a strong connection to Israel, Jim participated in a two-week Volun-Touring program this past June.  This trip, offered by Volunteers for Israel, consisted of two weeks of volunteer work helping patients at the at Reuth Rehabilitation Hospital in Tel Aviv and three weekends of touring which included sites where the October 7 Hamas attack took place.  In addition to describing his experiences, Jim hopes to engage with the audience on his observations of how the present situation affects life in Israel (Refreshments will be served courtesy of Hadassah of State College).

Senior Social

Please join us for our next Senior Social on Tuesday Oct. 22 at 2:30 pm in the social hall. We will be gathering to schmooze and nosh. Come visit with old friends and maybe make a new friend. All are welcome, and we will have homemade snacks and beverages. If you need transportation or have any questions call Esther Siegfried at (814) 880-2724.

Hope to see you there!

Congregation Brit Shalom CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

The Brit Shalom CONGREGATIONAL MEETING will take place on Sunday November 3rd at 2:00 pm. In addition to a general update on "the State of Our Synagogue", a very important item on the agenda will be a presentation of the planned renovation of the lower level entrance to enhance security, and a discussion of how we plan to fund this project.

Carved in Stone: Antisemitic Imagery in the Cathedral of Brussels

Please join us on Sunday December 8 at 2:00 for a zoom presentation by Flora Cassen, Senior Faculty at the Hartman Institute and Associate Professor of History at Washington University in Saint Louis. This talk examines the disturbing legacy of antisemitism embedded in the very fabric of Brussels Cathedral. In 1370, a false accusation of host desecration led to the execution of several Jewish men and the expulsion of the entire Jewish community. Today, the cathedral stands as a monument to this tragic event.
Read More -->

 

Of Note

Featured
Israel - Educational Opportunities

Tough Questions About Gaza Answered. The American Jewish Committee is tackling several tough questions and topics related to the current situation in Israel. What should we answer next? (GO TO THE Q & A).

CAMERA (Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting and Analysis) Visit this comprehensive website that documents the inaccurate reporting in popular news media of current issues related to Israel (VISIT THIS SITE).

The Institute for National Security Studies (Tel Aviv University) The Institute for National Security Studies launches and engages in innovative, relevant, high-quality research that shapes the public discourse of issues on Israel's national security agenda. As part of its mission, it is committed to encourage new ways of thinking and expand the traditional contours of establishment analysis (VISIT THIS SITE).

Read More →
Lauren Gluckman, Recipient of Brit Shalom's Helping Hands Award

At the Spring Congregational Meeting on April 28, Ron Hodes announced that Lauren Gluckman was chosen for this year’s award by a committee. For the past fifteen years, Lauren has been on our board as VP for Education and VP for Religious Affairs, and has been our liaison to the nursery school. She will receive the award at a Fall Friday Shabbat and Oneg in her honor.

Read More →
Building Improvements

Scott Daggs, our building and grounds chair, has several projects in the works. Remediating water damage by the front entrance and a blockage to our sewage line are maintenance projects that are being attacked. The remodeling of the Ark in the sanctuary and the resign of the lower entrance to upgrade security are major projects that are in the planning stages. The placement of an AED inside the building to provide a first-line response to medical emergencies will soon be a reality.

Read More →

New Members Corner

Welcome to our new members and their families.
When you see them, be sure to say hello.

Lisa Anne Davis
I am so excited to fulfill a long-term dream of mine to join a Jewish congregation and connect with my Jewish heritage!  I grew up in the great city of Pittsburgh and have been a resident of Centre County since 1983, after moving here for “just six months or so.”  I live in Boalsburg with my husband Mark, and our soon-to-be-21-year-old daughter, Rachel.


Josh Portney
I'm excited to officially join the Congregation Brit Shalom family! I have been teaching at the religious school for the past three years, which has been an absolute joy and pleasure. I look forward to furthering my Jewish roots here in State College and at CBS! 



The Shelden Family
Rachel, Andy, Sam (8), and Ben Shelden (4)--moved to State College from Norman, Oklahoma in Fall 2019. Rachel is an Associate Professor of History and Director of the Richards Civil War Era Center at Penn State, and Andy is a freelance writer and editor.


Josh and Ana Sofia Garber
Both of us have been residents of State College for a few years; Ana Sofía is a Spanish literature graduate student and Josh is a geology professor. We enjoy good food, culture, music, art, nature, and travel, and especially enjoy cooking Mexican cuisine and sharing dinners with our friends. We are excited to officially join such a welcoming Jewish community.

The Cameron Family
Lauren and Daryl Cameron have lived in State College since 2016 and both work at Penn State. Their kids Nathaniel, Ada, Sophie, and Ben appreciate the variety of playgrounds around town and enjoy hiking as a family in the many state parks around the area. In the winter, the family can usually be found reading books in front of their fireplace.

 

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)