About Us

Hevrat Shalom was established in the fall of 1999. At that time, the founding five members knew there was a need for a Reform congregation that could serve the growing Gaithersburg area.

Today, Hevrat Shalom is a thriving congregation. In addition to offering Shabbat, High Holy Day, and special holiday services, we have an established religious school, and social and adult education programs.

Hevrat Shalom is an inclusive congregation that welcomes everyone, including interfaith families. We are dedicated to the principles of Tikkun Olam and strive to advance tolerance and social justice. Through various activities, we offer a unique opportunity for spiritual growth, learning, and strengthening ties to the Jewish community.

Our Rabbi, Arnold Saltzman, previously Cantor and Cantor Emeritus at Adas Israel Congregation of Washington, D.C. was recently ordained into the rabbinate. Rabbi Saltzman has degrees from Brooklyn College, Columbia University Teachers College, and the Jewish Theological Seminary of America.

Our Rabbi Emeritus, Reuben R. Levine, is a graduate of the Jewish Theological Seminary where he received his Rabbinical Ordination as well as a Master of Hebrew Literature and Doctor of Divinity degrees.

Our Cantorial Soloist, Caron Dale, has been singing Jewish music since she was a young girl having  started and managed ensembles in high school and college.  They were a prelude to Lox & Vodka, the Klezmer, Jewish and American music band, which she started because of her love of the music, the rich traditions, the wonderful holiday celebrations, and the deep spirituality Judaism offers.

Lox & Vodka has been the Kennedy Center’s artist in residence and the Washington Post’s Best Pick.  They’ve performed for Presidential events and have been featured in Festivals around the country.  They have recorded “Heavy Shtetl” and “Celebrate Shabbat”, and Caron wrote and recorded a Chanukah song which received national acclaim.  It is part of a complication CD entitled, “A Chanukah Feast”, a fund raiser for the wonderful organization Hungry for Music.  www.LoxVodka.com
 
For detailed information about our clergy please click here.

Our services reflect the diversity of our congregation and contain both Hebrew and English text and songs. Our Shabbat services have a Reform style with a traditional flavor.  Services generally include Sabbath evening prayers and a brief Torah study session with the Rabbi. Our services are family friendly and typically feature participation by our children.

Membership dues at Hevrat Shalom are considerably lower than most other synagogues. Our aim is to keep the costs to our members low while also keeping the quality of the Synagogue high.

We hope that you will visit us to experience the warmth and friendship of Hevrat Shalom. For more information please call the synagogue office at (301) 528-5307.