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, communal decisions are informed both by the richness of Jewish tradition and the gifts of contemporary society. (For more information on Reconstructionist Judaism, visit the website of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation at www.jewishrecon.org)
OUR SERVICES
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 generally begin at 7:30 PM on Friday nights. Once a month, we hold a dynamic family Shabbat service at 6:30 PM that includes a vegetarian/dairy potluck dinner. We also hold monthly Shabbat morning services, beginning at 10 AM. During the summer, Shabbat services take place every other Friday evening at a member’s home. Visitors are always welcome.
HIGH HOLIDAYS
Our High Holiday services blend traditional prayer and melodies with creative readings by participants. We welcome everyone, and we do not charge for non-members. We believe everyone in the Jewish community should have a welcoming home to celebrate the New Year.
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL
Congregation Am Haskalah’s religious school provides our children 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, Jewish history and culture, and Jewish ethics. Because Am Haskalah’s religious school is relatively small, we tailor our class levels for the particular students enrolled each year.
Our Religious School is co-lead by members who are educators, our Rabbi and out teachers.
OUR FAMILY
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. 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. Our values-based dues structure insures that everyone can join regardless of financial circumstances. We believe in our commitment to each other, and our Chesed (Kindness) Committee is there for you in times of need.
EXPERIENCE JUDAISM IN A WAY THAT MAKES SENSE, ADDS MEANING TO YOUR LIFE, AND FEELS GOOD!
SERVICES
Friday night, 7:30 PM (once a month 6:30 PM Vegetarian/Dairy Potluck dinner & Family Service)
Saturday Morning 10 AM (once a month)
RELIGIOUS/HEBREW SCHOOL
Sunday Mornings
Wednesday afternoons
TEL (Teens: Experience & Learning Group) one Sunday a month
ADULT LEARNING
Activities scheduled throughout the year
Spiritual Writing
Book Club
Speaker Series