All are warmly invited to a Shabbat service, reception, & conversation to connect with some of our Jewish neighbors in Pittsburgh.
Congregation Beth Shalom
5915 Beacon Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
Saturday, January 26, 2019 at 10:30 a.m.
In the wake of the Tree of Life synagogue shooting, some suggested they would like to learn more about Judaism in an effort to interpret the anti-Semitic violence, understand more about Jewish beliefs and practices, and to connect in-person as friends, neighbors, listeners, and allies. To that end, the leaders at Congregation Beth Shalom in Squirrel Hill have invited all members of the entire Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh to visit a Shabbat service.
The service begins at 10:30 a.m. in the main sanctuary. This particular service will include a special reading and celebration of the Ten Commandments. After the service there will be a small reception (called kiddush), after which Rabbi Seth Adelson, Rabbi Jeremy Markiz, and Bishop Dorsey McConnell will lead an introduction to Judaism with Q & A conversation for our group.
Rabbis Adelson and Markiz have expressed a spirit of welcome! People of any age and experience are invited – which includes families with active little ones. This is both a neighborly and educational experience open for anyone connected to the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh. It is a generous opportunity to meet our Jewish neighbors, understand Judaism better, and initiate relationship of care and love that can result in respecting, defending, and lifting up the lives our Jewish friends and neighbors.
ORIENTATION NOTES
TO HELP YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE, WELCOMED, AND ENGAGED
WHERE TO PARK
There is a relatively small lot behind the synagogue along with plenty of on-street parking in the surrounding neighborhood.
WHERE TO MEET
Beth Shalom has a primary entryway into a lobby. Please follow signage to the main sanctuary where there will be greeters to usher you in and provide any bulletins, books, etc. that you need. You may wish to arrive earlier in order to orient yourself. No matter where you enter the building, ample signage will help you find the main sanctuary where services will begin at 10:30 AM.
WHAT TO WEAR
Clothes, of course! Suit-and-tie are not needed, yet jeans and a t-shirt would likely feel out of place. Consider wearing what you might otherwise wear to church services. Men are kindly asked to wear a kippah on their heads while they are in the building. Kippahs are available to borrow during our visit.
GOT KIDS?
Kids are eminently welcome. Parents, of course, know the difference between “basic kid sounds” and “meltdown-need-to-step-out” sounds, and Congregation Beth Shalom both welcomes basic kid sounds and has space for when parents need to step out with their little ones. There is also kids programming available for little ones ages 0-5 with their parents.
GOT QUESTIONS?
Great! There is reception (kiddush) at noon (read: really delicious food!) for you to enjoy and connect with members of the Beth Shalom congregation. Rabbi Seth Adelson, Rabbi Jeremy Markiz, and Bishop Dorsey McConnell will lead a conversation directly following about beliefs and practices in Judaism and they welcome your questions for discussion.