Congregation Or Chadash means New Light
and is the only Reform Jewish Congregation
serving Upper Montgomery and Southern Frederick Counties.

Congregation Or Chadash was formed in 1984. As a member of the Union for Reform Judaism, our mission is to meet the spiritual, educational and social needs of our members within a Reform Jewish context.

We offer a wide range of programs for all ages, including:

• Shabbat and Holy Day Services
• Religious Education
• Social Action Programs
• Social Activities for children, adults and families.

Religious Education

As Reform Jews we make educated decisions about our personal and communal religious practices. To accomplish this, Congregation Or Chadash offers the following educational opportunities:

• Sunday Religious School from Pre-K through 7^th grade;
• Tuesday afternoon and evening Hebrew School beginning with 4^th grade;
• Bar and Bat Mitzvah preparation;
• Post B’nai Mitzvah programs leading to Confirmation and beyond
• Family Education days for parents and children to learn together;
• Service Participation for each grade during the school year;
• Adult Education classes, including Torah study, Talmud Study, periodic book discussions and beginning in September 2007, adult Hebrew classes.

Shabbat and Holy Day Services 

Members of our community join together on Holy Days, Shabbat evenings and some Shabbat mornings for services. Children are always welcome, especially for Family Services and Tot Shabbats which are held once a month. Our Adult and Jr. Choirs participate at several Shabbat Services throughout the year. A monthly Shabbat dinner is an important part of our communal Shabbat experience. At Passover we have a very popular second-night Congregational Seder. Check this website or call the office for dates and times of services.

Family Events

• -Yom Kippur break-the-fast
  -Hanukah Party
• -Purim Carnival
  -Chocolate Seder
                 -Congregational Seder
                 -Congregational Picnic
•                 -BINGO

Adult Fun

Our members get together for social events, such as Adults' Nights Out, Ladies' Nights Out , Guys Nights' Out, Art and Cultural events, Sisterhood and Brotherhood functions. Opportunities for friendships are also found in serving on one of our volunteer committees.

Interfaith/Outreach

Congregation Or Chadash welcomes interfaith families looking for support and involvement within the Jewish community. We offer a variety of special activities to meet the needs of these members.

Our Professional Staff
and What's in Our Future

Our professional staff includes a full-time Rabbi, a part-time invested Cantor, an Education Director, an office secretary and over 20 dedicated teachers.

Or Chadash is a congenial, welcoming congregation. We are dedicated to providing the best religious programming in a caring atmosphere. We invite all Jewish people including interfaith couples and families who wish to bring Judaism into their lives to visit us and see if we are the right community for you.

Rabbi Paul Tuchman
Cantor Susan Berkson
Education Director, Marcy Resnick Bixby

Life-Cycle Events

Congregation Or Chadash is a wonderful place to celebrate your life-cycle events. We hope you will mark the important moments in your life through Jewish ritual with the support of our community.

Social Action

Throughout the year, our members participate in a variety of social action programs, including food drives, park cleanup, and blood drives with more activities to come as we grow.

CORY

(Congregation Or Chadash Youth)

Our active youth group is open to all students in grades eight through twelve. CORY is a member of the North American Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY) Mid-Atlantic Region. Regularly scheduled activities include movie nights, pool parties, social action projects and regional weekend events.

(Jr. CORY)

Our Jr. CORY youth group has started with students in grades five through seven, at which point members will be welcomed into the older CORY group. This isn't just a 'farm team.' Jr. CORY members can look forward to a full program of interesting and fun activities.