At this troubled time in our national life, we honor the sanctity of each life, and add our voices to the call for justice.  A statement of Jewish values, demanding an end to racism and discrimination, has been issued by our synagogue leadership.

The Jewish imperative of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) implores us to do acts of righteousness. In keeping with Tikkun Olam, community outreach and social action activities are integral to the life of our synagogue.

Following the May 11, 2023 suspension of the COVID-19 health emergency declaration by the Department of Health and Human Services, masking in the synagogue is now optional. To help safeguard the health of our congregants, we would appreciate those of you that may experience cold, flu or COVID-like symptoms to use your discretion in attending synagogue functions.

To quote the World Jewish Congress: “For Jews the world over, Israel is more than just our eternal homeland, it is the beating heart and soul of our people.”

Congregation Brit Shalom condemns the atrocities perpetrated by Hamas and stands together to support the Israeli people. See the ways in which you can help.

Local donations for Israel Emergency Relief can be made on-line through the State College Jewish Federation.

The war in Ukraine has created a crisis for its people, Jews and non-Jews alike. We can demonstrate solidarity with the relief efforts of our greater community by donating through the State College Jewish Federation. Some other organizations to consider are: Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS), Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), and World Union for Progressive Judaism (WUPJ).

Shabbat Worship Services

Weekly Shabbat services usually held on Fridays at 7:00 pm on Fridays are in-person at the Synagogue AND simultaneously broadcast via Livestream. Because of the invasion of Israel and antisemitism rising around the world, we will be erring on the  side of caution for upcoming Friday evening services and lock the outside doors at 7:10pm.

Our purple congregational prayer book is Siddur B’rit Shalom. If you intend to join us via Livestream for a good amount of time, please contact Rabbi Ostrich (rabbiostrich@britshalomstatecollege.org), and we will make arrangements for you to borrow a prayer book.

Tot Shabbat services for babies through preschool-age and Youth Shabbat services for children in kindergarden through second grade are also being held. See the list of Upcoming Programs to find the dates of these events as well as the dates of special holiday services.

Education

Our Religious School and its extracurricular activities is a Kindergarten through 7th grade program aimed at preparing kids for Bar/Bat Mitzvah, fostering Jewish identity, and building community. A program especially for young children are the weekly Storytimes led by Marjorie Miller, the Director of Religious Education and Youth Engagement.

For more information on enrolling in Religious School for the 2022-23 school year, email Marjorie Miller at Marjorie.Stromberg@gmail.com

The independently operated JCC Nursery School meets in the education wing of the synagogue.

Our Adult Education consists of classes led and coordinated by Rabbi Ostrich as well as a variety of speakers scheduled by our Program Committee.

Brit Shalom Teens are engaged in mitzvahs, social events and other programs. Each month, Marjorie Miller leads special meetings of the group, and Rabbi Ostrich leads discussions about how the Torah relates to our modern lives.

Upcoming Programs

Keep your eye on this section for future programs offered by Congregation Brit Shalom.

What an outstanding job everyone did on Mitzvah Day —kids, teens, adults and oldsters! Yashar koach to Scott Daggs for bringing back and organizing this event to spruce up our synagogue. You even got the weather right!

The original free lunch! Join us for a delicious salad bar lunch (perhaps with pizza!), kibbitzing, and some Torah study at 12:00 pm on Thursday April 4, Thursday April 18, Wednesday May 1, and Wednesday May 15.

We are currently reading some of Martin Buber’s writing about Hassidism and piety---and disgressing all sorts of interesting directions. 

Of Note

Guidelines for responding to misconceptions and untruths about the Israel-Hamas War. Created by:
Avi Ben-Hur, Scholar-in-Residence, Classroom Without Borders
Read the Guidelines —>

New Members Corner

Welcome to our new members and their families.
When you see them, be sure to say hello.

Josh Portney
I'm excited to officially join the Congregation Brit Shalom family! I have been teaching at the religious school for the past three years, which has been an absolute joy and pleasure. I look forward to furthering my Jewish roots here in State College and at CBS! 

The Shelden Family
Rachel, Andy, Sam (8), and Ben Shelden (4)--moved to State College from Norman, Oklahoma in Fall 2019. Rachel is an Associate Professor of History and Director of the Richards Civil War Era Center at Penn State, and Andy is a freelance writer and editor.

Josh and Ana Sofia Garber
Both of us have been residents of State College for a few years; Ana Sofía is a Spanish literature graduate student and Josh is a geology professor. We enjoy good food, culture, music, art, nature, and travel, and especially enjoy cooking Mexican cuisine and sharing dinners with our friends. We are excited to officially join such a welcoming Jewish community.

The Cameron Family
Lauren and Daryl Cameron have lived in State College since 2016 and both work at Penn State. Their kids Nathaniel, Ada, Sophie, and Ben appreciate the variety of playgrounds around town and enjoy hiking as a family in the many state parks around the area. In the winter, the family can usually be found reading books in front of their fireplace.

Simon the Righteous, Leader of the Great Assembly, used to say, 
"On three things does the world stand: on Torah, on Worship, and on Deeds of Lovingkindness."  (Avot 1)