About

Founded in 1999, The New Shul is a progressive, independent, creative community exploring meaningful ways to experience Jewish life and ritual in the 21st century with a diverse calendar of spiritual and cultural offerings. The TNS @SCJ is a thriving Hebrew school where families learn together and parents are partners with teachers in passing Judaism to their children.

We are dreaming anew the customs and wisdoms of our ancestors, reimagining and instilling with vibrancy the ceremonies, practices, recipes, and ways of Jewish spirituality. We are searching for what Rebbe Nachman calls - "a new way that is ancient." We are searching for a creative and vibrant Judaism that takes ancient wisdom and culture and makes it accessible to anyone interested in unlocking the treasures of the Jewish tradition. We are a community of learning, art, music and active engagement with the world, that seeks vibrancy, meaning-making, and inclusivity.

The New Shul offers adults a path home to their Jewish heritage, where questioning is not only tolerated but encouraged, where friends can open new doors to their spirituality through learning that excites the mind and ignites the soul. Ours is a community where heart and hand are united, where people rise together to face the challenges of trying to heal a broken world.

Although we provide activities for younger children - so that adults can sometimes engage in more serious reflection and prayer - we strive for events that are intergenerational in nature and feel. And we are as much in favor of excavating old, still-meaningful rituals as in creating new and innovative ones.

One of our defining characteristics is our “come as you are” attitude. This can be expressed in dress, in attitude, or in belief. At The New Shul, everyone is always welcome.