OUR CONGREGATION

Since our founding in 1978, Am Haskalah has been a small, vibrant congregation in the Lehigh Valley, PA, committed to the values of Reconstructionist Judaism. Reconstructionist Judaism affirms the belief that Judaism is an evolving religious civilization and as such, all decisions are informed both by deep consideration of the past and a passion to relate it to the present. (For more information on Reconstructing Judaism, visit the website of the movement at www.ReconstructingJudaism.org)

SHABBAT

Congregation Am Haskalah comes together to celebrate the end of the week with Shabbat services that include traditional melodies, contemporary readings and spirited discussions. Services begin at 7:30 PM on most Friday nights. Once a month, prior to service, we have a vegetarian/dairy potluck Shabbat dinner at 6:30 PM. We also hold a monthly Saturday morning Torah service, beginning at 10:30AM. During the summer, Shabbat services are every other Friday evening, occasionally taking place at a member’s home - and new visitors are always welcome!

HIGH HOLIDAYS

Our High Holiday services blend traditional prayer and melodies with creative readings by participants. Held at the Jewish Community Center in Allentown, we welcome everyone in the community, and we do not charge for tickets. We believe that everyone in the Jewish community should have a welcoming home for the High Holy days.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Congregation Am Haskalah’s religious school provides ALL types of learners with a quality Jewish education in a fun, open and supportive atmosphere that encourages and depends on high parental involvement. Our students study Hebrew and prayer, holidays and ritual, life cycle events, Jewish history and culture, and Jewish ethics. Our religious school cohorts are tailored for the particular students enrolled each year and the schedule is flexible to parental involvement. Our Religious School is co-led by members who are professional educators, our rabbinical staff and our teachers.

.CONTINUING EDUCATION AND GROUPS

We all enjoy learning, and gather monthly for rabbi-led classes on a wide variety of topics, with the occasional guest speaker. Besides learning together, we have a book club, a spiritual writing group, a meditation group and enjoy trying new restaurants around the valley together with our Wandering Jews Dinner Club.

COMMITMENT TO ACCESSIBILITY AND INCLUSION

Our diversity is our strength, and we aspire to be as diverse as the Jewish people itself. We welcome people with diverse cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, political philosophies and religious perspectives, and we embrace interfaith families, as well as individuals studying to become Jewish. ALL are welcome, regardless of background, identity or ability. Am Haskalah has made the decision to continue to Zoom every service, club and event possible to ensure our members can participate fully, even if they can’t make it physically. We strive to accommodate every individual’s needs, whether it be accessible locations, large-print siddurim, masking, dietary needs or anything else – just let us know.

OUR FAMILY

We are a small, warm, non judgemental and supportive community. Am Haskalah is a spiritual, multigenerational community – one in which individuals, couples and families come together for learning, prayer, life-cycle events, music, creative arts, sharing food, mutual support and friendship. Our values-based dues structure ensures that everyone can join regardless of financial circumstances. We believe in our commitment to each other, and our Chesed (loving kindness) Committee is there to help in times of need.

EXPERIENCE JUDAISM IN A WAY THAT MAKES SENSE, ADDS MEANING TO YOUR LIFE, AND FEELS GOOD!

SERVICE SCHEDULE

Things will always change: the most up to date information is always available on our website here.

1st Fridays - Erev Shabbat Service at 7:30pm & when possible, a veg/dairy potluck dinner at 6:30pm

2nd, 4th & 5th Fridays - Erev Shabbat Service at 7:30pm

3rd Saturdays - Torah Service at 10:30am

Have questions or need any accommodations? Reach out to AmHaskalahDirector@gmail.com.