About Olam Tikvah

OT's Sunday morning minyan gathers outside on an autumn morning. Photo by Lisa Friedman.

This welcoming community of over 620 families, affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ), is full of opportunities for spiritual growth, learning, and social interaction for people of all ages. No matter what the season, you will find us participating at all levels in worship, educational experiences, community outreach and social activities that run the gamut from picnics and sporting events to talent shows and silent auctions. We invite you to join us weekly in our egalitarian, traditional and participatory Shabbat services. Watch the calendar and join us when we hold our informal, song-filled Shabbat Mincha, Ma'ariv and Havdalah celebrations, about once each month.

OT's main office entrance. Photo by Lauren Friedman

Olam Tikvah's design uses materials reminiscent of Jerusalem stone and emphasizes the integration of the building with the surrounding wooded land.

Shabbat at OT

Shabbat at Olam Tikvah is a comfortable and friendly time. We use Siddur Sim Shalom as our prayer book and Etz Hayim for the Chumash. We do not have a professional chazzan, nor do we use instrumental music on Shabbat. Our congregants love to participate in the singing, and our talented lay leaders guide us dynamically and tunefully. We provide assisted-listening devices and large-print prayer books and use fixed-place microphones to amplify sound.

On Friday nights, we typically welcome Shabbat with a pleasant 6:15pm service that often features Carlebach melodies. There’s no sermon, and everyone has an opportunity to return to family and friends for Shabbat dinner. We hold Friday-night dinners at the synagogue several times a year, some open to the entire congregation, and others oriented to families with children in certain grades. When the weather cooperates, we welcome Shabbat outdoors on our patio.

Our Sunday morning minyan shares much of the spirit of Shabbat. Photo courtesy of Larry Nisenoff

Shabbat mornings offer a wealth of worship and learning opportunities for all ages. We hold one congregational service, beginning at 9:30am. Men and women of all ages—from age 13 though grandparents—take key roles, such as leading portions of the service, receiving aliyot and reading Torah. It’s not unusual for younger children, below b’nai mitzvah age, to lead the chanting of specific prayers.

Most Shabbat mornings also include age-appropriate services from Tot Shabbat (for children 18 months to age 5) through Junior Congregation. Children of all ages are always welcome in the sanctuary, but for those who want, we have babysitting every week. The morning ends with everyone back in the sanctuary for Adon Olam and Kiddush. The congregation always enjoys lunch together, regardless of whether there is a simcha that week.

About once a month, we return for Mincha/Ma’ariv and Havdalah on Shabbat afternoons. After a short Mincha service, we schmooze over S’eudah Sh’lishit (the third meal of Shabbat), followed by lively singing until it is time for Ma’ariv and Havdalah, where we wish each other “Shavua tov”—a good week.

About Olam Tikvah

Shabbat at OT

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