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Temple Sholom


Temple Sholom is a small synagogue that dreams big. Dedicated to tikkun olam, we believe that we can repair the world--one small step at a time. While our community may not be a wealthy one, we are rich in talent--in the men and women who serve on our Board of Trustees and in the many volunteers who give so generously of their time and effort.

We are justifiably proud of our innovative religious education program, EXPLORATIONS, a program that has garnered national fame and recognition. With a theme-centered, activity-oriented curriculum that is committed to involving both children and adults in the learning process, it has made Judaism, our Torah, and our Commandments ideals to revere and teachings to live by.

Led by our rabbi, Norman Koch, we strive to be faithful to our heritage and observant of its traditions. We feel firm and deep rooted ties to the State of Israel. Our services are open to all and no one is ever turned away for financial reasons. We celebrate with each other in times of gladness and we offer support and comfort to each other in times of adversity. Our youth groups provide teens and pre-teens with fun and fellowship. Holiday activities, like our Purim Festival and our Sukkot Extravaganza, are festive occasions that find both children and adults joined in commemorative celebration.

And there you have it: k'hilat Sholom. We are who we are--a community of solid, dedicated, hard-working Jews who feel good about our accomplishments but who also feel that we can always do more to bring freedom and dignity, peace and justice to peoples everywhere. We welcome you to join us in our efforts.

Temple Sholom was founded in 1958 to provide a home and focus for the Jewish community of greater New Milford. Today our calendar bulges with activity, as our building bulges with the involvement of our 145 member families. The warmth of a welcoming temple family, evident in the early years, continues to glow today. We are inspired by the diversity of our membership and are committed to the growth and understanding of Judaism as it relates to our lives today.

Temple Sholom is a member of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), and participates in activities of the Reform Jewish Movement regionally and nationally. Temple Sholom participates in the Jewish Federation and in local community events. We are governed by a Board of Trustees and elected officers and offer active involvement in the functioning of the Temple through our various committees. Our goal is to meet the religious, educational, cultural and social needs of our members.

Rabbi Norman Koch has been Temple Sholom's spiritual leader since 1979. Members of our community experience his vast knowledge of Judaism, his honest, non-judgemental concern about us as individuals, his skill of relating Torah to our daily lives and his ability to see things from a Jewish perspective.

Rabbi Koch takes an active leadership role in the Jewish Federation Inc, and in the New England Region of Rabbis. He is a respected faculty member at the Eisner Camp Institute, URJ's summer camp, and is an active participant in many committees and organizations in the greater New Milford community.

Our membership takes pride in Rabbi Koch's dedication to our congregation and community. It is rare to find such a wonderful blend of attributes in one person.

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