Congregation Or Shalom Reaches Out

Driving by Congregation Or Shalom in Orange, one cannot help but notice the synagogue’s banner and motto, “Open Minds, Open Hearts, Open Doors.”  In fact, Rabbi Wainhaus, spiritual leader of the congregation, often includes those words in his sermons.  As he puts it, “Our motto represents the message of our congregation as well as the essential message of Judaism.  As the great Rabbi Hillel put it, “If I am only for myself, what am I?”

Toward that end, synagogue members are actively involved in helping newly arrived legal refugees resettle in this country.  The congregation is also engaged in a series of efforts meant to alleviate hunger, among them, our “Lunch Bag” project.  (See photo above).

Bob Spaulding, Or Shalom’s president, comments, “The banner’s rainbow-colored Star of David visibly recognizes the LGBTQIA+ community and lets all know we are a colorful Jewish community, embracing inclusivity without prerequisites.”

For further information about Congregation Or Shalom’s “Open Minds, Open Hearts, Open Doors” philosophy or to learn more about participating in social action at the synagogue, please call 203-799-2341.