- Etz Chaim is a vibrant congregation known for the passion and decorum of its prayer, the breadth and creativity of its programming, its devotion to Israel, and its warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Congregation Etz Chaim is, first and foremost, a makom tefillah, a shul where davening with fervor is complemented by an absolute insistence on proper decorum. Whatever the background, dress, or level of knowledge of worshippers, all feel welcome in a joint effort to create a heartfelt and harmonious tefillah. Yet we recognize that this attitude is a goal for which we must constantly strive, and whose achievements can never be taken for granted.
Etz Chaim identifies with Medinat Yisrael. More than that - Etz Chaim members rejoice in the joys and wonders of Eretz Yisrael and its people, and cry at their pain. Many of our members have made Aliyah and serve as a model for us all. Still other families have found the weight of their family shifting, as their children have made Aliyah, and now spend significant portions of the year ba’aretz. Our Israel committee spearheads both fundraising activities and special events to keep Israel on our minds and in our hearts. Etz Chaim is the place to be for both Yom HaAtzmaut and Yom Yerushalayim for inspiring programming for the whole family.
The Rabbi Israel D. Rosenberg Educational Institute is the education and learning arm of Etz Chaim. Since its founding over 15 years ago, we have been proud to present programs featuring the leading lights in the world of Jewish learning, including Roshei Yeshiva, scholars and Nashim Melumadot. We are particularly proud of being the home of serious Torah study for woman, with our Shiur HaChodesh for Women by Women. That shiur, now in its second decade, attracts close to 100 women monthly who enjoy being challenged by textually oriented classes from the region's most acclaimed maggidot shiur.We see our mission as providing needed programming to the entire community. The Shiur HaChodesh and our scholars-in-residence are two examples. Another is our Navigating the Medical System series, now in its fifth year, in which leading medical practitioners educate the community concerning the most crucial medical issues of the day.
We take pride in our youth programming. Shabbat groups are supplemented by seasonal activities, such as the Sukkah Hop and Treasure Hunt. Rabbi Rosenberg, too, is actively engaged in educating the children in a manner appropriate to each age group and according to the needs of each child. The Rabbi learns with each Bar and Bat Mitzvah, hosts an Oneg Shabbat programs in his home, leads the annual pre-Pesach Mystery Shopping trip, and re-enacts with them the story of Kamtza and Bar Kamtza on Tisha B’Av.
In this site we are proud to set out our program of events. Check back here frequently, as additional classes, programming and special events will be scheduled throughout the year. In our new formant we have added features, like the Digital Academy, through which you can learn Torah in ways both new and pleasant. We look forward to seeing you, online and in person!
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