Discover the Joy of Judaism!

We invite you to join our historic congregation. Make memories with us. Whether you are hearing the sacred readings and ancient melodies for the first time, or you know it all by heart, you are welcome. Find personal solace as we recite Kaddish as a community. Celebrate with newlyweds as they break a glass under the chuppah. Lend helping hands to neighbors in need. Smile as you hear the sweet voices of our youngest congregants during Consecration. Share the sense of accomplishment as young teens become B’nai Mitzvah.

Everyone is welcome in our Temple family, the young and the young-at-heart; the single and the partnered; the Jew by birth and the Jew-by-choice; the able-bodied and the challenged. No matter where you have been or where you are going, rediscover the joy that is Judaism here at Congregation Ahavath Chesed!

From the Union For Reform Judaism / Reform Movement

Rebuilding After the Storms of Life: An Interview with Rabbi Joseph Meszler

Rebuilding After the Storms of Life: An Interview with Rabbi Joseph Meszler jemerman September 22, 2022

Children's Books

We sat down with Rabbi Joseph Meszler, author of "The Sukkah in the Storm: A Sukkot Story," to discuss the ways this story teaches children about strength, resilience, community, and asking for help.

Keeping Family Close, Regardless of Distance

Keeping Family Close, Regardless of Distance jemerman September 21, 2022

Jewish Life Around the World

a laptop on a table with apples and honey, kiddish cup, candle sticks and flowers

As I boarded the plane to Israel in the summer of 2002 for my first year of rabbinical school at HUC in Jerusalem, my mother said, "Please, just don't meet an Israeli." As soon as the plane touched down at Ben Gurion airport, I knew that I was home. A few months later, I met that Israeli. From our first conversation, he understood that I was studying to be a rabbi, and I understood that he wanted to live only in Israel.

A Vegan Rosh HaShanah for a Sweet New Year

A Vegan Rosh HaShanah for a Sweet New Year jemerman September 14, 2022

Vegan Recipes

I am vegan because I am Jewish. Everything that led me to a vegan practice came from my childhood where I kept kosher, learned by asking thoughtful questions, and practiced daily rituals like hand washing and reciting brachot that brought intention to aspects of daily life.

An Invitation to Return

An Invitation to Return jemerman September 7, 2022

COVID-19

a man and woman wearing tallit holding prayer book

As we look out from the pulpit, we know there are good reasons that some faces that were familiar before March 2020 are now missing. We have embraced technology at every opportunity. The quality of our livestreaming worship, even in smaller synagogues, is excellent. Many congregants have grown accustomed to praying from the comfort of their couch.