Sim Shalom is an online synagogue, but more than anything, it’s a community. We started meeting online years before everyone else did, and what we found surprised us. People who had never met in person became real friends. They check in on each other, they celebrate each other’s simchas, and they show up for each other when times are hard.
Not just a stream. A community.
Today you can watch live services from the big, famous synagogues in the country right from home, and that’s a blessing. But at Sim Shalom you don’t just watch. You join us on Zoom, your face is on the screen, and we say hello. We pray and sing together, we talk about the Torah portion, and we schmooze before and after services. Over time we get to know you, and you get to know us.
What we believe
We call our approach Jewish Universalism. We’re liberal in our thinking and traditional in our prayers. We honor every Jewish movement, and we believe God is bigger than any one religion. Most of all, we believe in kindness.
- Everyone is welcome. Jews by birth, Jews by choice, interfaith families, LGBTQ folks, seekers, and doubters all belong here.
- Everyone can take part. Our prayers are on the screen in Hebrew, English, and transliteration, so anyone can follow along and sing.
- No dues and no building fund. We’re a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that runs on small donations from our community.
- We stay out of politics. We support Israel as the homeland of the Jewish people, and we always pray for peace.
Here for life’s big moments
Rabbi Blane and our team of rabbis, ordained through the Jewish Spiritual Leaders Institute, are here for weddings, baby namings, bar and bat mitzvahs, funerals, and every moment in between. When you’re part of Sim Shalom, you have a rabbi who knows you.
Come see for yourself
The best way to understand Sim Shalom is to drop in. Join us any weeknight at 7pm Eastern, or come Friday at 6:30pm to schmooze before Shabbat services. Just say hi when you come in. We’ll be so glad you’re there.