History

The History of Adat Reyim

In 1980 three families shared a meal after Yom Kippur and began to discuss with their neighbors about forming a Jewish congregation in southwestern Fairfax County. Brief Friday evening services were held in member’s homes. One year later, “The Jewish Friends of West Springfield/Burke” began meeting at the Kings Park community room. Sunday school was taught by parents in members’ homes. Soon, the congregation met at Messiah United Methodist Church in Springfield. Religious school moved to the Woods Community Center complete with a principal and teachers. The congregation officially became Adat Reyim, Hebrew for “a gathering of friends and neighbors.”

Rabbi Tzvi Porath became our spiritual leader after 32 years as the leader of one of Maryland’s premier congregations, Ohr Kodesh in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Religious services moved into Burke Presbyterian Church. The two congregations began holding joint Thanksgiving services. St Mary’s Catholic Church joined us for this service, and the tradition continues today.

Five wooded acres were purchased for our future home. The choir was formed, and it remains a strong and vital part of synagogue life. The congregation dedicated its first Sefer Torah. By the time we held our Groundbreaking, Adat Reyim offered a Youth Group, a Sisterhood, and Tot Shabbat services for 2-5 year olds and their families.

In 1990 the synagogue building was complete. Services were held every Friday evening and Saturday morning and all holidays. Soon, we graduated our first Confirmation class at the end of 10th grade. Rabbi Bruce Aft, noted educator and experienced rabbi and counselor, became our first full-time rabbi, and has remained with us through the years. The Men’s Club was established.

The congregation acquired a Torah rescued from the Holocaust. It has been fully restored and is lovingly used for special occasions as well as regular worship Services.

A week-day preschool opened and is flourishing today. Summer programs have been added as well.

In the fall of 2002, our Education/Administrative wing has been completed. We now have permanent classrooms, offices for staff members, and dedicated space for our preschool. Synagogue membership is over 300 families-and our three original families remain active members!

Historical Timeline – The Birth and Growth of Adat Reyim

1980
Three families share a meal after Yom Kippur and begin discussions with their neighbors about forming a Jewish congregation in southwestern Fairfax County; Brief Friday evening services held in members homes.

1981
The Jewish Friends of West Springfield/Burke” begins meeting for Friday evening Sabbath services once a month and major holidays at the Kings Park community room; Sunday school is taught by parents in members’ basements.

1982
Friday evening services are held twice a month at Messiah United Methodist Church in Springfield; Principal and teachers are hired and the religious school moves to Woods Community Center in Burke; Rabbi Alex Pollack becomes first part-time spiritual leader.

1983
Congregation chooses name Adat Reyim, Hebrew for “a gathering of friends and neighbors".

1984
Rabbi Tzvi Porath becomes spiritual leader of Adat Reyim, after 32 years as the leader of one of Maryland’s premier congregations, Ohr Kodesh in Chevy Chase; Religious services are field in Burke Presbyterian Church. The two congregations begin holding joint Thanksgiving services, later joined by St. Mary’s Catholic Church. First Bar Mitzvah ceremony held for Adat Reyim teen.

1985
Nearly five wooded acres purchased on the border between Springfield and Burke; First Sefer Torah, holy scroll of the Five Books of Moses, dedicated; Choir is formed, the only all-volunteer synagogue choir in the area at the time.<\p>

1986
First annual community Seder held. Kitchen of Springfield Hilton becomes “Kosher for Passover.”

1987
Sunday school moves to West Springfield Elementary for more classrooms. Youth group founded.

1988
Groundbreaking ceremony held; Sisterhood founded as women’s auxiliary of the synagogue; Bi-monthly “Tot Shabbat” services for 2- to 5-year-olds and families precede regular service. The first Adat Reyim retreat is held.

1989
Construction begins on synagogue building; cornerstone dedicated in September; Saturday morning services herd once a month, plus services for Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremonies.

1990
Synagogue building opens its doors; Services held every Friday evening and Saturday morning plus all holidays.

1991
First Confirmation class graduates at end of 10th grade; Rabbi Bruce Aft, noted educator and experienced rabbi and counselor, becomes congregation’s first full-time rabbi; Men’s Club founded as men’s auxiliary of the synagogue.

1992
Tot Shabbat held every month preceding family service; Congregation holds additional Family High Holiday services, open to the community.

1993
Congregation recognized for its unique near-perfect retention of students after Bar/Bat Mitzvah: Torah rescued from the Holocaust acquired; Religious school offers innovative new programs alongside traditional classrooms, with school enrollment over 260 students; Weekday preschool opens; Synagogue membership tops 230 families; three original families remain active members.

1994
Hazel Solomon begins teaching Adult B'nai Mitzvah classes.

1995
Holocaust Torah from Sedlcany, Czechoslovakia, comes to Adat Reyim.

1997
Wednesday minyans begin after Adat Reyim retreat. Rosh Chodesh begins, with monthly gatherings and an annual woman's Passover Sedar.

2002
Education/Administrative wing of the synagogue is completed. New permanent classrooms, offices for staff members, and dedicated space for preschool are built.

2005
Adat Reyim receives multiple awards and grants for religious curriculum and activities.

2006
Congregation Adat Reyim celebrates its 25th Anniversary with special services and a giant gala evening.