A Tight-Knit Community
If you're looking for a congregation that is a real community, you've come to
the right place. Community is something we live everyday -- whether it is reaching out to a member dealing with a serious illness, celebrating the birth of a new baby or simply enjoying a potluck Shabbat dinner, each and every member is a valued part of the community.
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Our Music
As our name implies - Shir Ami means "Song of our People" - music is an integral part of our life at Congregation Shir Ami. Our services are alive with spirited songs and soulful melodies and we think you'll especially enjoy listening to our intergenerational choir at our High Holidays and other special events throughout the year.
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Our Rabbi
"Warm", "accessible", "joyful", "always there for us" -- these are just some of the ways we describe our Rabbi. A mother of four sons, Rabbi Vicki L. Axe served congregations in New York Connecticut and Ohio as a Cantor for the last 25 years before becoming the Spiritual Leader and Educational Director of Congregation Shir Ami and, most recently, becoming ordained as a Rabbi. A graduate of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York City, Rabbi Axe has served on their faculty, as well as the Academy of Jewish Religion, and the National Jewish Choral Festival.
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Interfaith Families Welcome
If you're an interfaith family that is looking for a congregation where you'll feel comfortable and welcome, Congregation Shir Ami is for you. 40% of our member families are interfaith or have one family member who is a Jew by Choice. One of the most consistent comments we hear from our families is how easy it is for all members to feel at ease, regardless of their religious background and beliefs -- whether it is participating in services, serving in leadership roles or having their extended families embraced when their children celebrate becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. |
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"Mom...Religious school is fun!"
We know that your children - and you! - are leading very busy lives and finding time for after school learning can be a challenge. To accommodate your needs, our religious school meets just once each week. But, don't make the mistake of thinking this is "religious school lite" -- the time we spend with our children is fun, personal and enriching and the level of personal one-on-one attention each child receives is extraordinary for a program of our size. Our children actually enjoy coming to religious school , and as a result, they become active and engaged learners who grow into knowledgeable and committed members of the Jewish community. |
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Joyous Celebrations Throughout The Year
At Congregation Shir Ami, we believe that the Jewish holidays should be celebrated as well as observed. Our worship services are joyous, spirited and inclusive. All members of the congregation, from our youngest children to our oldest seniors, participate in every aspect of worship. And we are famous for nourishing our bodies while we feed our souls -- wait till you indulge in our famous Channukah and Passover potluck feasts!
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Commitment To Social Action
Social Action and Community Service play a central role in the life of Congregation Shir Ami. Activities include helping to staff a local food pantry, organizing a book drive and feeding the homeless in New York City. One of our favorite traditions is when our SAT's (Shir Ami Teens) spend a day in December shopping and assembling gift boxes for needy families in our local area. |
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