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Shaare Torah is working to make our physical space and all experiences accessible to all who want to participate. Below is specific information. If there are other accommodations that are not addressed here, please contact our office (301-869-9842) and we will make every effort to ensure that you can fully participate.
Yes. wheelchair users can enter the building through the parking lot entrance via ramp and automatic doors. Our building has a Shabbat elevator to make every floor accessible. The reading table is height adjustable to accommodate wheelchairs.
Our facilities include a gender-inclusive single-user restroom on the second floor, as well as male and female bathrooms on the street level. Use of the restrooms is according to one’s own current gender identity.
To be completed
Large text siddurim (prayer books) are available. Need to check on Chumashim.
A braille version of the Lev Shalem siddur (prayer book) that Shaare Torah uses has just been published and we expect to receive copies soon.
A hearing loop is in the sanctuary space. We have a device for use or you can use your hearing aides and instructions are available.
We will do our best to provide an ASL interpreter when requested.
We welcome all into our community. All individuals who are the age of gilb’nai mitzvah or older can be called to the Torah and there are opportunities for younger children to participate in other parts of the service if they choose. Shaare Torah has a sensory cart for use during services.
Yes. Please see our website for links to all services.
Yes, finances are never a barrier to joining our community. Please contact our office (301-869-9842) for more information.
Of course, we welcome you to be a part of our community.
Shaare Torah celebrates community members of all gender identities and sexual orientations. We provide a gender-neutral option for individuals receiving Torah honors during our services. Honorees can choose to be called up using either masculine, feminine, or gender-neutral language.
Shaare Torah is guided by the teshuvah (responsa) of the Conservative Movement’s Rabbinical Assembly Committee on Jewish Law and Standards for implementation of calling people to the Torah in a way that respects gender inclusivity. We recognize, in particular, the work of Rabbis Guy Austrian, Robert Scheinberg, Deborah Silver for creating this teshuvah, and Kehilat Hadar for their thoughtful work in developing and sharing implementation practices.
Some of our community members and guests at our services use gender-neutral pronouns. However, Hebrew is a gendered language. These guidelines enable us to be more inclusive of community members and guests and honor them without using either masculine or feminine pronouns.
When you’re invited to take an aliyah you will be given an aliyah card that will list the three options. When you approach the Torah reading table you can let the gabbai know how you should be called by pointing to the appropriate option on the aliyah card.
It’s never too late! You can let the gabbai know that you’d like to use gender-neutral language the next time you have an aliyah, or anytime before then as well. You can change your language choice anytime you wish and as often as you wish.
Absolutely. We encourage everyone to choose the wording that works best for them.
Any guest receiving an aliyah will see the three options printed on their honor card with instructions for how to communicate their language choice to the gabbai.
Individuals who are Jewish and over the age of bar mitzvah who identify as male are encouraged to wear a tallit at morning minyan, Shabbat and holiday services. Anyone over the age of gil mitzvah is invited to wear a tallit during services. All male identifying individuals will be asked to cover their heads during services. These ritual garments are available at Shaare Torah if you don’t have your own.
Yes, there is a designated room with a small couch and table on the second floor near the sanctuary.
Diaper changing stations are available in all of the restrooms.
Children of all ages are always welcome at services. Children are encouraged to participate in the Torah procession. Quiet toys are available at the back of the sanctuary for children to play with during services. Shaare Torah also has a designated playroom for children if they need to expend more energy.
We welcome your children! Shaare Torah has a sensory tool cart for children to pick from to use while at services. It also includes noise canceling headphones. There is also a nursing/quiet room for children when needed.
Yes,everyone who is part of a Jewish household is welcome at Shaare Torah – spouses, partners, parents, guardians, and children of other backgrounds are welcome and can become members under our by-laws.
Yes, we have an interfaith section in the Shaare Torah section of the cemetery.
