Why We Love Adat Reyim
Why We Love Adat Reyim!
Amanda, Ari and Daniel Charney
We are grateful to have such a supportive and dedicated Jewish community right in our neighborhood. My son’s Jewish education and Hebrew study is enriched by the excellent teachers and tutors, and we have all made new friendships and connections that will last a lifetime.
Loretta Stein and Josh Green
We found our spiritual home at Congregation Adat Reyim very shortly after moving to the area as an Active Duty military family. Our internet search led us to Adat Reyim, and when we called the office, we were immediately invited to the annual ShaBBQ that night! When we arrived, we received an incredibly warm welcome by multiple members of the congregation while enjoying Shabbat dinner and the celebration of the completion of a rejuvenated sanctuary. We also met several other young couples and military families that helped make us feel right at home.
After being engaged and spending much of the prior 3 years apart while one of us was stationed overseas, we were ready to have our Jewish wedding and knew Adat was the place we wanted to hold our ceremony. The entire staff, president, and rabbi were so accommodating and helped make our day so special! We have continued to be involved in various activities from the Young People’s Chavurah group, decorating for the Purim Spiel, participating in the rabbi search committee and on the board. We continue to be amazed at the time, energy, and care that members of the congregation pour into the community and synagogue. Most important to us is that we try to attend Friday night Shabbat service as much as possible because we find that it helps keep us grounded as individuals and connected as a couple. We are grateful to have found Adat Reyim and the community will always hold a special place in our hearts, no matter where military life takes us
Steve and Valerie Schwartz
Once upon a time, in 1980, Steve and Valerie Schwartz moved to Burke, VA with their two kids– 12 year old Janette, and 11 year old Elliott. With Valerie’s “encouragement,” they looked for a place for Elliott’s Bar Mitzvah and they found a group just forming - The Jewish Friends of West Springfield, meeting for services in rented church space. The Jewish Friends soon became Congregation Adat Reyim. Elliott became the congregation's second Bar Mitzvah – and the rest is history.
Steve almost immediately became the first long-term President, serving two years. However, he never stopped coming to Board of Director meetings – probably wanted to protect that first $75 investment. Their social lives and friendships revolved around Adat Reyim activities, as they continue to do today. Even daughter Janette became involved with assistant teaching in the religious school, and was the first paid secretary/receptionist. Son Elliott’s two children attended the preschool until entering public schools. Valerie joined the choir at its inception (about1982), and continues to be its longest-serving member.
Steve continues to greet old and new members alike, usually at the front door of the synagogue, usually at Friday night services. While he doesn’t know all their names, he takes pride in knowing more members’ names than most.
While nothing lasts forever, Steve and Valerie initiated Adat Reyim's Legacy Program to help to assure that future generations will have additional funding as it may be needed.
Jennifer Regelman Goldfarb, Rachael & Joshua Getz
I love the warm, family atmosphere of Adat Reym and I am thrilled to raise my kids in this wonderful community. We love dancing on Simchat Torah to the voices of Shir Reyim. Adat Reyim encouraged us to get involved early on and I've had the opportunity to support membership, communications, and fundraising. I even sang, acted, and danced in our Purim Schpiel! My daughter was Bat Mitzvahed in 2020 and received so much knowledge and support from the amazing Religious School. My parents are members, too, and they love Adat Reyim as much as we do!
Rhonda Suls
I love Adat Reyim for so many wonderful reasons which are as follows: I have been a member since the early 1990’s and joined because I was looking for something meaningful in my life at the time. I was welcomed warmly and introduced to many members. I became very active in the synagogue which I feel is a key role. I took many classes, had my adult Bat Mitzvah, worked on several committees and also served on the Board of Directors. The Rabbi and many of my congregant friends took good care of me during my year-long hospital stay. Congregation Adat Reyim is truly a “Community of Friends”.
Mon, October 14 2024
12 Tishrei 5785
Calendar at a Glance
Today's Calendar
Columbus Day Indigenous Peoples' Day |
Preschool Closed : 9:00am |
Tomorrow's Calendar
Meditation Minyan online : 10:00am |
Shabbat Day
Shabbat morning service : 9:30am |
Upcoming Programs & Events
Oct 14 Preschool Closed Monday, Oct 14 9:00am |
Oct 16 Wine & Cheese in the Sukkah Wednesday, Oct 16 7:00pm |
Oct 17 Preschool Closed Thursday, Oct 17 9:00am |
Oct 17 Sukkot Services Thursday, Oct 17 9:30am |
Oct 17 Lunch in the Sukkah Thursday, Oct 17 12:00pm |
View Calendar