Shaare Torah is a vibrant, open-hearted, joyful and multi-generational synagogue community where you are welcome as you are. We learn, pray, play, pursue justice and find inspiration as we grow Jewishly together.
At Shaare Torah, we strive to be a Jewish community of belonging, equity and inclusion, where we care for one another, our neighbors, Israel and our world. Rooted in tradition, we create Jewish experiences that spark wonder, stretch spirits and deepen relationships.
At Shaare Torah we strive to be welcoming and inclusive. Please read our FAQs to learn more about the ways we embrace all members and visitors to our community. If your question is not addressed here, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Shaare Torah is working to make our physical space and all experiences accessible to all who want to participate. Below is specific information. If there are other accommodations that are not addressed here, please contact our office (301-869-9842) and we will make every effort to ensure that you can fully participate.
Yes. wheelchair users can enter the building through the parking lot entrance via ramp and automatic doors. Our building has a Shabbat elevator to make every floor accessible. The reading table is height adjustable to accommodate wheelchairs.
Our facilities include a gender-inclusive single-user restroom on the second floor, as well as male and female bathrooms on the street level. Use of the restrooms is according to one’s own current gender identity.
Large text siddurim (prayer books) are available.
A hearing loop is in the sanctuary space. We have a device for use or you can use your hearing aides and instructions are available.
We will do our best to provide an ASL interpreter when requested in advance.
We welcome all into our community. All individuals who are the age of gil mitzvah or older can be called to the Torah and there are opportunities for younger children to participate in other parts of the service if they choose. Shaare Torah has a sensory cart for use during services.
Yes. Please see our website for links to all services.
Yes, finances are never a barrier to joining our community. Please contact our office (301-869-9842) for more information.
Of course, we welcome you to be a part of our community.
Yes, the rituals of Shaare Torah are fully available to everyone, regardless of gender.
Shaare Torah celebrates community members of all gender identities and sexual orientations. Individuals receiving Torah honors during our services can choose to be called up using masculine, feminine, or gender-neutral language.
Shaare Torah is guided by the teshuvah (responsa) of the Conservative Movement’s Rabbinical Assembly Committee on Jewish Law and Standards for implementation of calling people to the Torah in a way that respects gender inclusivity. We recognize, in particular, the work of Rabbis Guy Austrian, Robert Scheinberg, Deborah Silver for creating this teshuvah, and Kehilat Hadar for their thoughtful work in developing and sharing implementation practices.
Some of our community members and guests at our services use gender-neutral pronouns. However, Hebrew is a gendered language. These guidelines enable us to be more inclusive of community members and guests and honor them without using either masculine or feminine pronouns.
When you’re invited to take an aliyah you will be given an aliyah card that will list three options. When you approach the Torah reading table you can let the gabbai know how you should be called by pointing to the appropriate option on the aliyah card.
It’s never too late! You can let the gabbai know that you’d like to use gender-neutral language the next time you have an aliyah, or anytime before then as well. You can change your language choice anytime you wish and as often as you wish.
Absolutely. We encourage everyone to choose the wording that works best for them.
Any guest receiving an aliyah will see the three options printed on their honor card with instructions for how to communicate their language choice to the gabbai.
Individuals who are Jewish and over the age of gil (age) mitzvah who identify as male are encouraged to wear a tallit at morning minyan, Shabbat and holiday services. Anyone over the age of gil mitzvah is invited to wear a tallit during services. All male identifying individuals will be asked to cover their heads during services. These ritual garments are available at Shaare Torah if you don’t have your own.
Our siddurim have prayers with some transliterated Hebrew. All siddurim and chumashim are in both English and Hebrew.
Yes we do! Our services are rooted in Ashkenazi traditions but we support and welcome families from diverse Jewish backgrounds, including those who are Sephardic. We strive to create an inclusive and warm environment where everyone feels embraced, regardless of their specific cultural or liturgical traditions. In the past, we have celebrated events such as Mimouna and other Sephardic customs, highlighting the beauty and richness of our diverse community.
Yes, to receive a Gil Mitzvah (our non-gendered term for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah) date, which is given out in 4th grade, families must be members of the congregation.
Yes, there is a designated room with a small couch and table on the second floor near the sanctuary.
Diaper changing stations are available in all of the restrooms.
Children of all ages are always welcome at services. Children are encouraged to participate in the Torah procession. Quiet toys are available at the back of the sanctuary for children to play with during services. Shaare Torah also has a designated playroom for children if they need to expend more energy.
Some events are adult only and it will be clearly indicated on the flyers and communications for the event.
We welcome your children! Shaare Torah has a sensory tool cart for children to pick from to use while at services. It also includes noise canceling headphones. There is also a nursing/quiet room for children when needed.
If you have questions about accommodations for your child 5 and under please reach out to our Director of Early Childhood and Engagement, Allison Colker.
Yes, if you have children under 5 reach out to Allison Colker. If your children are older reach out to Devin Egber to be connected with the right person.
The majority of events at Shaare Torah are open to the public and we welcome you. Any events marketed on our website or weekly emails for families with children 5 and under are open to everyone including PJ Havdalah, Kabbalat Shabbat, High Holidays and many other events throughout the year.
If your family needs any support resources including, but not limited to parent coaching, access to services for your child from the state or county, recommendations for developmental assessments, tools to use in the home for routines, potty training, or challenging behaviors please reach out to Allison Colker.
Yes, reach out to Allison Colker. Shaare Torah has connections with professionals and experience helping multiple families navigate the sometimes complex systems available to support children.
Yes, Shaare Torah’s Religious School known as Nesiyah starts with Pre-K and continues through 7th grade. Pre-K through 2nd grade meets on Sunday mornings. 3rd through 5th grade meets twice a week on Sundays, and can choose between Tuesdays (virtual) and Wednesdays. The 6th grade class meets on Saturdays to prepare for their Gil Mitzvah and can choose between Tuesdays (virtual) and Wednesdays. The 7th grade class meets twice a week on Sundays and can choose between Tuesdays (virtual) and Wednesdays.
Shaare Torah offers a chance for 8th through 12th graders to apply for the Madrichim program, helping to teach students in the religious school for either SSL hours or a paid position (9th – 12th grade). There are also teen specific programs held multiple times throughout the years.
Yes, reach out to Leah Miller to discuss the specifics of the situation and the accommodations available.
Across the staff of Shaare Torah there is knowledge of most of the East Coast Jewish day and sleep-away camps. We are happy to provide guidance and make connections with families who have children at the various camps. Additionally, usually in February we have a mini-golf event where we have the various Jewish camp representatives come to Shaare Torah to provide information about their camps to our families.
Nesiyah, the Shaare Torah religious school, has an Inclusion Coordinator Rebecca Kotok who can discuss your child’s specific situation and participation in Nesiyah with you.
Shaare Torah has a list of private Hebrew tutors that are available to help children prepare for their Gil Mitzvah. Most children will need some Hebrew tutoring in addition to the Hebrew education that is included in the Religious School.
Yes, there are various fees associated with having a Gil Mitzvah at Shaare Torah, which help cover the costs of preparation, materials, and services. However, the ability to pay should not be a barrier to having a Gil Mitzvah. We are committed to ensuring that every child can celebrate this meaningful milestone, and we are always willing to work with families to make accommodations as needed.
Yes, everyone who is part of a Jewish household is welcome at Shaare Torah – spouses, partners, parents, guardians, and children of other backgrounds are welcome and can become members under our by-laws.
Yes, we have an interfaith section in the Shaare Torah section of the cemetery.
