What is an Open Synagogue?

The Open Synagogue is our way of describing Shema Yisrael’s multi-denominational approach to Jewish worship and learning. We honor equally all denominations within Judaism and borrow from each to create an independent congregation free from ties to any branch of Judaism. There are no membership dues and we are open to all.

What about our Seder for the first night of Passover?

Shema Yisrael offers a Passover Seder and dinner on the first night of the holiday, which begins this year on Monday evening, March 29, 2010. It is open to all who wish to attend for just $12.50 a person plus a Passover dish that you contribute to our buffet. We provide the entree, Haggadahs and ritual items, wine/grape juice, soft drinks and table settings. We use a liberal contemporary haggadah which is written mostly in English. We are now accepting reservations on the home page of this web site.

What about High Holiday Worship services?

For the past twelve years we have offered High Holiday worship services as our gift to the unaffiliated Jewish community of metropolitan Atlanta. This year we expect nearly 1000 persons to participate in this program. There is no charge but we do encourage tax-deductible donations to further our work.

To request an invitation to our service for the High Holidays 5771 which begins on the evening of September 8, 2010, email us at shema_atl@yahoo.com

You may choose between two distinct worship services at the High Holidays. One set of worship services follows the Traditional/Conservative mahzor/prayer book. Another separate set of worship services uses a unique mahzor/prayer book which is liberal, and very contemporary. We are one of the few congregations in America to offer such a wide range of holiday worship in a single setting.

To make a financial contribution in support of this program follow the links on our home page at http://www.shemaweb.org

How is our Shabbat program conducted?

Our Shabbat Minyan meets Saturday morning at the Jewish Family and Career Services building just one exit east of Perimeter Mall outside I-285 (exit 30) at 4549 Chamblee Dunwoody Road and is followed by a kiddush and light Shabbat lunch.

Several times each year we offer a Friday night Musical Shabbat experience that concludes with a fully catered, Shabbat dinner.

If you would like to receive our free weekly newsletter and be placed on our special invitations list, contact us at shema_atl@yahoo.com.