Congregation Shalom

A Reform, welcoming, egalitarian congregation committed to meeting the needs of today’s Jewish family.

We are located in North Chelmsford, MA, and draw from 22 communities in the Merrimack Valley.

Our Mission

Congregation Shalom is a Reform Jewish community committed to education, spiritual growth, and Tikkun Olam (healing the world).

We are proud to be an extended family of equals – welcoming, caring and inclusive. Together, we engage in religious observance, enjoy social activities, and pursue life-long learning.

Reimagining Jewish Life

Welcoming community

The doors to Congregation Shalom are open to all who are interested in exploring Jewish life. We believe that a synagogue isn’t a building, but rather a caring community where people can connect in meaningful ways throughout all of life’s stages. At Congregation Shalom there is no one way to be Jewish or Jewishly connected. We look forward to welcoming you!  

Diversity

At Congregation Shalom we embrace inclusivity and we value each person for the gifts they bring to our community. We welcome everyone who wants to connect to Jewish life regardless of religious background, race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, age, physical abilities, sexual orientation and gender identity. As a Reform Jewish congregation, we believe that there is a place in our community for everyone, regardless of the expression of their faith. We welcome people with divergent beliefs, perspectives and spiritual practices. Our community is stronger because of our diversity.

Building relationships

Congregation Shalom is a kehillah, a community of people who value friendship and collaboration. Together we strive to nurture relationships, supporting each other in times of need and celebrating moments of joy. We create meaningful educational, spiritual and social opportunities to enrich our lives, our families and our friendships. We also believe in the importance of building relationships with members of the interfaith community, and that through dialogue within our congregation and in the broader community we can inspire and encourage Tikkun–healing.

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Lifelong Learning

From Pre-school to Adult Ed, we offer Jewish learning opportunities for every age.

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Worship

We strive to provide meaningful and spiritual experiences for all members.

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Tikkun Olam

Healing the world is infused in every aspect of our temple community.

Latest News and Events     

View/Print 2024 Shabbat Service Schedule

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Please Join Us For Services

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Read Our Recent Newsletters

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 blog iconRead Rabbi Perry’s Recent Posts

View Rabbi Perry’s posts.

Worship Events

  1. 22 Nov

    Sunset Shabbat

    6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
  2. 29 Nov

    No Services

    ALL DAY EVENT
  3. 06 Dec

    Tot Shabbat (Ari Strasser)

    6:00 pm - 6:45 pm
  4. 06 Dec
  5. 13 Dec
  6. 20 Dec

Upcoming Events

  1. 20 Nov

    Hebrew School

    4:15 pm - 6:00 pm
  2. 20 Nov

    Chai School (term 1)

    6:15 pm - 8:15 pm
  3. 20 Nov

    Shpiel rehearsal

    7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

    Next dates: 18 Dec | 15 Jan | 19 Feb |
  4. 21 Nov

    Board Meeting

    7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

    Next dates: 19 Dec | 16 Jan | 20 Feb |
  5. 24 Nov

    Cookie Distribution

    8:30 am - 12:00 pm
  6. 24 Nov

    Religious School

    9:00 am - 11:00 am

From the Union For Reform Judaism / Reform Movement

Why Israel Celebrates the Ethiopian Jewish Holiday Sigd

Why Israel Celebrates the Ethiopian Jewish Holiday Sigd jemerman

For many generations, the Beta Israel had longed to reach Jerusalem in a quest to renew their covenant with God and for spiritual redemption. So strong was their desire that they created a holiday as a time to pray for this miracle. They called it Sigd (meaning "worship") and celebrated it on the 50th day after Yom Kippur. This year it is celebrated today, November 4.

For Some of Us the Holidays Are Just…Hard

For Some of Us the Holidays Are Just…Hard jemerman

As we head into the holiday season, I am acutely aware of how much different this year is going to be than previous ones. I will be celebrating without my mom for the first time. My mother died in January 2021, and I'm still dealing with the unexpected waves of grief that wash over me, sometimes out of nowhere. As I head into this first winter holiday season without her, I'm not quite sure I know what to expect, other than everything is going to be very different.

Enjoy A Crockpot Shabbat

Enjoy A Crockpot Shabbat jemerman

As the weather begins to get chillier, many home cooks pull out their trusty slow cookers to create easy yet warm dishes. Slow cooking is nothing new. It hasn't had staying power with Jewish communities just because the resulting food is delicious; it also allowed observant Jews to keep Shabbat by kindling a fire before sundown on Friday and keeping food warm until Saturday afternoon.

The Cost of Free Land

The Cost of Free Land jemerman

When I was a child growing up in the 1980s, the story I learned about Thanksgiving followed the classic script: it highlighted amity between the Pilgrims and their Indigenous neighbors. Due to this connection, the hunger of the European settlers was met with squash and turkey.