The acquisition and dedication of Adat Shalom's first sefer Torah is a major milestone in the history of our still very young congregation. In a little over one year the congregation raised the $6,000 needed to purchase a scroll. I have never been involved in a fundraising campaign that was easier. The desire of our members and friends to contribute indicates our collective interest in seeing Judaism perpetuated in a traditional yet dyn namic way. Moreover, it is a sign of the great future ahead of us at Adat Shalom, for when people care as much about a communal undertaking as they obviously do for Adat Shalom, they show that commitment by giving of themselves and their resources. We have seen that displayed again and again in our congregation.
The many people who made this day possible are acknowledged on the last page of this booklet. They deserve our deepest thanks. No less do we need to utter the traditional shehechiyanu blessing to God, Source and Creator of the Universe, who has kept us in life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this momentous occasion.
Rabbi Sidney Schwarz
The breastplate for the Torah Mantle illustrates our congregation's name, Adat Shalom or Community of Peace. It is contemporary in color, shape, and feeling to represent a young, future- oriented, and optimistic group of fellow worshippers. The design concept for the Ark itself fuses traditional and contemporary elements. The left side of the menorah is a traditional shape, whereas the right side represents a modern stylistic menorah. This is much like Adat Shalom's synthesis of traditional and contemporary elements in its approach to Judaism. The Ark doors, when closed to envelop the Torah, form the branches of this unique menorah. On the specially designed Ark stand, a complete menorah appears.
November 1998, Vol. 1, No. 11: President's Message
November 1998, Vol. 1, No. 11: From the Rabbi
Adat Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation
7727 Persimmon Tree Lane
Bethesda, MD 20817
E-mail info@adatshalom.net
Phone: 301-767-3333 | FAX: 301-767-3340
Shabbat Services: Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.
We are an affiliate of the
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation
and part of the
Chesapeake Region of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation
(CRJRF)