Latest News
I Have A Dream: Jewish Heritage School Program
Am Shalom Congregation in Barrie, Ontario, is thrilled to announce that they will be offering no-fee Jewish Heritage education classes commencing in September 2022 for children aged 4-13. This initiative is a first ever for the region and will be offered to all Jewish children in the Barrie, Innisfil and Simcoe community for members of the Synagogue.
Rabbi Audrey Kaufman, spiritual Leader of the congregation explained, “Last fall, I suddenly woke in the middle of the night with a dream – actually an epiphany – that our beloved Am Shalom Congregation was offering free Jewish education…the days of charging fees for our students had come to an end! When I awoke in the morning and recalled my dream, I thought….why not? We can make it happen!”
With the generous support of donors, the program has become a reality. “Taught by professional Jewish educators, this educational program will provide students an opportunity to embrace their history as they move forward into their future as Canadian Jewish citizens,” explained the Rabbi. To encourage attendance a deposit is required to register which will be refunded after students attend a minimum of 70% of the classes.
By participating in the program, students receive a well-rounded education, understanding and appreciation of Reform Judaism that will help prepare them for and continue well after their Bar/Bat Mitzvahs.More
In Person Shabbat Services Resume
Enriching our Jewish Community
ABOUT AM SHALOM:
Am Shalom is a modern Reform Congregation providing spiritual enrichment to the Jewish community throughout the Simcoe County area.
The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) believes that everyone can feel at home in Judaism and that there is more than one way to be authentically Jewish. We stand for a Judaism that, in response to today’s realities, is inclusive, open, and diverse.
We welcome all those wishing to share with us in exploring our religious heritage, celebrating our customs and rituals.
Reform Judaism maintains faith in the Covenant between God and Israel as expressed over the generations in the teachings of an ever-evolving Torah and tradition. Stirred by the mandate of tikkun olam, (repairing the world) Reform Judaism seeks to be the living expression of those teachings. It welcomes all who seek Jewish connection to pursue a life of meaning as inspired by the Divine and proclaimed in the truths grasped by Jewish teachers throughout time.
Reform Jews are committed to the principle of inclusion, not exclusion. Since 1978 the Reform Movement has been reaching out to Jews-by-choice and interfaith families, encouraging them to embrace Judaism. Reform Jews consider children to be Jewish if they are the child of a Jewish father or mother, so long as the child is raised as a Jew.
Reform Jews are committed to the absolute equality of women in all areas of Jewish life. We were the first movement to ordain women rabbis, invest women cantors, and elect women presidents of our synagogues.
Reform Jews are also committed to the full participation of the LGBTQ+ community in synagogue life as well as society at large.
Shabbat is a joyous occasion at Am Shalom whether we celebrate within our sanctuary, outdoors under the stars, or on the unspoiled waters of Georgian Bay. Together with our spiritual leader, Rabbi and Cantorial Soloist Audrey Kaufman, and our wonderful and talented Shirat Am Shalom Choir, we explore Reform Judaism’s traditions enriching our Jewish experience.
Our members are active and involved in a variety of Social Action programs, which focus on volunteering in the community. For over three decades the Am Shalom Congregation has built a Jewish community interested in studying the many aspects of Reform Jewish life.
Located an hour north of Toronto, the Am Shalom Congregation welcomes you to our next worship service, social gathering, or holiday celebration.
