This is Who We Are...
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, singing together, eating wonderful food at one of our potluck dinners, enjoying Shabbat together, each and every member is a valued part of the 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, singing together, eating wonderful food at one of our potluck dinners, enjoying Shabbat together, each and every member is a valued part of the community.
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 the opportunities to sing together as much as listening to our choir at our High Holy Days and other special events throughout the year.
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 the opportunities to sing together as much as listening to our choir at our High Holy Days and other special events throughout the year.
Our Cantor/Spiritual Leader
Cantor Jill Abramson is new to Shir Ami but she comes with a lot of experience, warmth, talent, intelligence, spirit and light! After 12 years as Senior Cantor of a large congregation which she loved, Cantor Abramson is very excited about coming back to her roots and being part of a small, intimate congregation, like one she grew up in. Cantor Abramson's insight, teaching ability, musical talent and uplifting energy promise to create an inspiring next chapter at Shir Ami. Come visit us and see for yourself!
Cantor Jill Abramson is new to Shir Ami but she comes with a lot of experience, warmth, talent, intelligence, spirit and light! After 12 years as Senior Cantor of a large congregation which she loved, Cantor Abramson is very excited about coming back to her roots and being part of a small, intimate congregation, like one she grew up in. Cantor Abramson's insight, teaching ability, musical talent and uplifting energy promise to create an inspiring next chapter at Shir Ami. Come visit us and see for yourself!
Our Rabbi Emerita
Rabbi Vicki L. Axe was the founding Cantor/Spiritual Leader of Shir Ami back in 2002 and later became ordained as a Rabbi. Rabbi Axe and her family have been an integral part of our congregational family from the beginning. When Rabbi Axe took a sabbatical in October 2018 with plans to retire in June 2019, the congregation knew that we wanted to continue the legacy that she helped create. As Rabbi Emerita, she is committed to supporting our new clergy in whatever way is requested and in offering advice and guidance to our administration when needed in order to support all of us to move forward seamlessly. Rabbi Emerita Axe is delighted that she could pass the torch to someone as talented and special as Cantor Abramson.
Rabbi Vicki L. Axe was the founding Cantor/Spiritual Leader of Shir Ami back in 2002 and later became ordained as a Rabbi. Rabbi Axe and her family have been an integral part of our congregational family from the beginning. When Rabbi Axe took a sabbatical in October 2018 with plans to retire in June 2019, the congregation knew that we wanted to continue the legacy that she helped create. As Rabbi Emerita, she is committed to supporting our new clergy in whatever way is requested and in offering advice and guidance to our administration when needed in order to support all of us to move forward seamlessly. Rabbi Emerita Axe is delighted that she could pass the torch to someone as talented and special as Cantor Abramson.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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 Congregation does Holiday shopping for Abilis residents who live in group homes throughout Greenwich and Stamford.
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 Congregation does Holiday shopping for Abilis residents who live in group homes throughout Greenwich and Stamford.