MISSION STATEMENT
Founded in 1852 and the oldest synagogue in Harrisburg, Temple Ohev Sholom is a diverse and inclusive Reform Jewish Congregation in Central Pennsylvania. We support one another throughout the cycles of life. We foster and encourage spiritual growth, lifelong learning, social opportunities and connections, and Tikkun Olam—healing the world.
VISION STATEMENT
Temple Ohev Sholom strives to be an inclusive Reform Jewish Congregation to serve the evolving needs of Jewish life in Central Pennsylvania for current and future generations. Our community will empower all people to create and sustain a meaningful relationship to Judaism through worship, education, social engagement and Tikkun Olam.
CORE VALUES
As part of our transitional time, we convened congregational meetings to develop our strategic plans. Our robust conversations resulted in the following:
As Harrisburg’s oldest synagogue and only Reform Congregation, Temple Ohev Sholom espouses and commits to these five Core Values:
Temple Ohev Sholom espouses and commits to these five Core Values:
- Honoring our Jewish heritage today and in the future;
- Cultivating a congregational culture of belonging;
- Being committed to inclusivity and diversity;
- Healing the world – Tikkun Olam; and
- Facilitating lifelong learning.
We honor Jewish heritage and tradition by:
- Gathering in worship that is rooted in Jewish tradition and enhanced with contemporary prayer, music, art, and teaching;
- Creating inspiring worship experiences that enrich our spiritual lives both personally and communally;
- Communicating and modeling the vision that the Jewish people (here, in Israel, and throughout the world) will live in peace and security with our neighbors;
- Enabling congregants to feel pride in being part of a Jewish community and to engage Jewish values to shape their lives, actions, and commitments;
- Empowering congregants to access Jewish tradition and to navigate their own Jewish paths;
- Ensuring an authentic way to be a Reform Jew in the Greater Harrisburg community; and
- Offering a safe place to be a Jew.
We provide a supportive environment and culture of belonging for all congregants by:
- Prioritizing a sense of “belonging” within a congregation that knows each member personally, building deep and enduring friendships;
- Ensuring that congregants of all ages feel a connection to the Temple and its clergy as their spiritual home;
- Offering meaningful opportunities for all age groups to socialize, engage and connect within our community;
- Supporting one another in times of joy, in times of need, and moments in between; and
- Sustaining a culture of respect among clergy, staff, and lay leaders.
We promote inclusivity and diversity by:
- Welcoming all people into Ohev Sholom;
- Encouraging participation from all who seek a connection to Jewish life regardless of religious background or expression of faith, race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, ability, age, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or political affiliation;
- Engaging non-Jewish spouses and partners and relatives of our Jewish members in congregational life and worship;
- Promoting dignity in programming and in action; and
- Offering a safe and accessible place to worship and to be Jewish.
We work to heal the world by:
- Focusing on acts of kindness inside and outside the Temple;
- Caring for the Greater Harrisburg Community via active involvement;
- Combating antisemitism through education and activism; and
- Fighting for justice, sustenance, and dignity for all people.
We create and cultivate a culture of lifelong learning by:
- Delivering engaging educational opportunities that are meaningful and relevant for congregants at each stage of life;
- Providing opportunities to exchange ideas and gain new insights and perspectives;
- Interpreting traditions through the lens of our changing world; and
- Serving as a resource for non-Jews to learn about Judaism.