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Rabbi Alan Iser (pictured right), Marsha Peltz of Malvern (center) and Jeff Kosterich of Wayne (left) stand before the Ark. |
Religious Services
Our Rabbi
Rabbi Alan J. Iser is the spiritual leader of our congregation. He received his rabbinic ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary. He holds a Masters degree in Near Eastern Languages and Literature from Harvard University, and a BA from Washington University (St. Louis).
In addition to serving our congregation, Rabbi Iser is:
- Adjunct Instructor in the Department of Theology, St. Joseph's University
- Adjunct Instructor in the Department of Theology, Villanova University
- Board member of the Philadelphia branch of HIAS
- Rabbinic Cabinet, United Jewish Communities
Service Schedule
Shabbat Services begin every Friday at 7:30 p.m., and on Saturday at 9:30 a.m. Our services are egalitarian, and participatory (Congregation members chant Torah and Haftorah, as well as leading the services). The Rabbi conducts a weekly Torah Discussion focusing on the week's portion. We have a monthly Friday night Family Service . Junior Congregation is conducted twice a month from 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon. See the calendar for specific dates and times. Note, beginning in the fall, we will have babysitting every Saturday morning for children ages 6 and under.
Junior Congregation
Alef through Dalet students lead portions of one or more Shabbat Junior Congregation services during the school year. Additionally, each class is assigned a Shabbat morning to present a d’var torah or a parasha play. Services begin at 10:30 a.m. and end at approximately 12:00 noon on scheduled Shabbat mornings.
Gan, Mechina and Prozdor students are invited and encouraged to attend Junior Congregation.
Bar/Bat Mitzvah
Prayer Books
Our Shabbat Siddur is the Siddur Sim Shalom 
and we use Etz Hayim 
We use the Rabbinical Assembly Machzor for the high holidays.
Minyan
An adult minyan meets every Tuesday at 5:45 pm, whenever there is Hebrew school. Parents are invited to perform a mitzvah by helping to form a minyan for anyone who is saying Kaddish on the anniversary of a loved one's passing. Parents are welcome to bring young children to this service. An adult minyan also meets every Sunday at 9:00 a.m.
Ritual Committee
The Ritual Committee determines the "Minhag" or ritual customs of the synagogue. We meet periodically to address issues and concerns of our diverse membership. We usually take a liberal position but one which does not conflict with the "Responsa" or the Rabbinical Assembly's Committee of Law and Standards.