Ahavat Torah Congregation | 343 Church Lane

WHY DO SO MANY DIVERSE INDIVIDUALS DECIDE TO BECOME MEMBERS?

Each member of Ahavat Torah has his or her own journey. Some of us have been Jews since birth. Others in the congregation discovered their Jewish soul later in life. Still others grew up in a Jewish family but lost touch with their "Jewishness" for a while before returning with new eyes and a desire to rediscover the joys of being Jewish. Still others joined a particular congregation when their kids were young but they were looking for something more for their own spiritual needs and adult Jewish joy in addition to their kids’ needs.

From informal conversations with a variety of new members and long-time members of Ahavat Torah Congregation, here are some of the personal reasons why they made the decision to sign up and become a member:

“It was the passionate singing. I’ve belonged for many years to another congregation. But I decided to join Ahavat Torah also because the dues were inexpensive and the music moves me each time I attend Shabbat or High Holiday services.”

“It’s the warmth of the people I’ve met here. For some reason this congregation attracts the most caring and interesting individuals. I’ve made several friendships here and there is such a feeling of mutual support and acceptance.”

“I joined because of the Rabbi and the way she speaks from the heart. She is such a beautiful soul who demonstrates what it means to live with caring, courage, and holiness.”

“I didn’t join at first because I’m not usually a joiner. In addition, I have always been a little hesitant about being part of ‘organized religion’ based on some painful earlier experiences. But at Ahavat Torah, the classes, the discussions, and the services are so deeply inspiring and very accessible. Each time I show up I find something valuable and insightful for my daily life. So I finally joined.”

“I drifted away from Judaism for a long time. But when I first visited Ahavat Torah, I felt like I’d found a spiritual home that was solid enough to be meaningful but flexible enough to let me be who I am.”

“I loved the High Holidays at Ahavat Torah and then attended a few other events with the congregation. But still I tried to find a place much closer to where I live. I visited several congregations, yet I kept longing for the warm, sincere “Hello’s” and the beautiful music and the deeply inspiring teachings that were so enjoyable at Ahavat Torah. So I decided to join because even though it’s not perfect, it’s a community where I feel included, heard, and encouraged. I especially like that we’re not a large and cliquish congregation. Each of us contributes to the warmth and the aliveness that I feel whenever I’m at an Ahavat Torah event.”

PLEASE NOTE: Even if you belong to another congregation, we welcome your involvement at Ahavat Torah. In fact, many of our members continue to be loyal members of other communities, while contributing to our inexpensive membership dues and adding their voices, insights, and creativity to our programs and services.

The Benefits of Membership:

Inexpensive Dues. Only $500 per year or $125 per quarter.
Several events each year where Members are free and Non-Members pay. Or where the Member rate for a Celebration, Class, Retreat Weekend, Salon, or Other Event is significantly less than the Non-Member rate.
A reduction in your price for High Holiday tickets.
The opportunity to help build a warm and welcoming congregation that embraces all branches of Judaism and all types of Jews.
The fact that a portion of the dues will be used for various Social Action/Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World) projects that save lives locally, globally, and in Israel.
A way of saying Todah Rabbah (Thank you very much) to the Rabbi and the Cantorial Soloists who are offering their time and talents for not much money but a lot of joy and gratitude.
A chance to contribute to the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund that helps people anonymously and gracefully during a crisis.
To help this relatively new congregation continue to grow and be stable so that others will enjoy the music, teachings, and warmth of community for many years to come.