Welcome to The Shalom Collaborative

Sharing Inclusive Paths of Jewish Spiritual Exploration, Learning and Service

We are a welcoming spiritual community that embraces the progressive values of the Classical Reform Jewish tradition. Our worship, conducted primarily in English, is inclusive and accessible. We offer a warm, unconditional welcome to all who seek to join us in worship, study, and service, without regard to religious background or beliefs. One need not be born Jewish, be able to read Hebrew, or convert to Judaism to be a full, participating member. Interfaith families and people of all faiths, including the unaffiliated, are fully embraced. Members of the LGBTQ community are a vibrant part of our community.

This ancient Roman mosaic, from the collection of the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, dramatically symbolizes our core values –
the diverse but cohesive community we hope to create, composed of individuals each of whom
is an indispensable part of our total picture! Photo Credit: James Robinson.

                                           In Memoriam of Rabbi Howard A. Berman

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Rabbi Howard Berman.

Rabbi Berman was a guiding light in our lives, touching each of us with his wisdom, compassion, and unwavering dedication to our community. His teachings inspired us to seek a deeper understanding of our faith and to foster a spirit of kindness and love among one another.

As we remember Rabbi Berman in this time of sorrow, let us hold close the beautiful moments we shared with him—the joyous celebrations, the comforting prayers, and the heartfelt conversations. A Memorial Shabbat Service will take place on November 22 by invite only.  For more information email us at info@shalomcollaborative.org 

As we navigate this profound loss, let us support one another and keep Rabbi Berman’s spirit alive within our community. 

       He will always live on earth in the acts of goodness he performed and in the hearts of         those who cherish his memory.  May the beauty of his life abide among us as a loving          benediction. 

 

Our services included our blended style of worship with some participating in person and some on zoom .

HIGH HOLY DAYS
2024-5785

From TSC Leaders: Todd, Merle, Michael, David & Sheri

It was wonderful to see so many of our TSC family this years High Holy Day Services. We joined together in the spirit of our Collaborative resulting in an uplifting and inspiring High Holy Days experience. What a team effort! What some of us thought was not possible became a meaningful experience. We’ve heard from many of you how our worship exceeded your expectations. For some, they shared this was one of their most profound High Holiday Day seasons in part because of all we overcame to make our Services happen.  We look forward to doing it again!

Thank you to our hosts, Marilyn Levitt and Andy Friedland, for opening their home to us once again.

We so appreciate Cantor Joel Colman and all his efforts in making our services so special. 

 

About Us

We gather, as old friends and new, for prayer and celebration in a variety of formats and schedules. We are not a formal congregation, but rather a virtual spiritual community “without walls”. We will offer a variety of special programs and experiences open to all interested people, of various spiritual paths and practice. Our worship, whether Shabbat and holiday Services, always includes the sharing of the accessible, inclusive liturgy and music of the Reform Jewish tradition. Additionally, we join in the online worship offerings of Jewish congregations from around the world who share our progressive values. More informal gatherings for less structured spiritual exploration and celebration are also available in a variety of settings.

TSC members see Yellow Face at the Lyric Stage with member JB Barricklo who was in the show
Join us in exploring Jewish Charleston! March 28-30 2025

Touring as Torah – Charleston, SC (March 28-30, 2025)

TSC will next travel to Charleston, SC which has a long and rich Jewish history dating back to the late 1600s. As late as 1820, Charleston was home to the largest Jewish community in the United States. Join us as we explore this history as well as the other charms of Charleston (another town known for great food!).

Participants will arrange their own airfare, arriving Friday morning or early afternoon.  

Please contact Larry Muenz at: Lmuenz@meritzmuenzllp.com for details!

Coming Up

Learning

We seek to deepen and expand our personal horizons through a variety of educational experiences including regular opportunities for Torah study.

Service

The eternal Jewish commitment to Tikkun Olam, engaging in the work of justice and peace in the world, and service to our respective local communities, is one of our defining core values.

Spiritual Exploration

Our worship, whether Shabbat and holiday Services, always includes the sharing of the accessible, inclusive liturgy and music of the Reform Jewish tradition. 

News & Announcements

TSC Movie Night, February 5, 2025, 7-8 p.m.

Based on the book by R.J. Palacio, the best-selling author of the Wonder series, this uplifting movie shows how one act of kindness can live on forever. When Julian is expelled from school for bullying, he is visited by Grandmère (Helen Mirren) from Paris and is transformed by her remarkable story of compassion and courage. As a girl in Nazi-occupied France, the young Grandmère goes into hiding with the help of a schoolmate, a young man who risks everything to give her the chance to survive. White Bird, like Wonder before it, is an emotional story about the ways that even in the most harrowing circumstances, empathy for others can make every difference in the world.

White Bird is now available to stream on several streaming services. Watch the official trailer here.

Thanks to Andy Friedland for leading this discussion!

 
  

Everyone is welcome to attend, to suggest books and to volunteer to lead discussions. 

Please RSVP to Judy Meritz at Judith.Meritz@gmail.com if you plan to attend.

TSC Book Club – January 15, 2025 7-8 p.m. ET

Renowned Israeli author Sami Michael (1926-2024) brings a novel that transcends its Middle Eastern setting with an honest and heartbreaking story of impossible love and the strength of family. This internationally acclaimed novel illuminates the vast range of interlocking relationships between Jews and Arabs, Muslims and Christians, men and women. A Trumpet in the Wadi is an honest, witty, and ultimately heartbreaking story — one that draws on the conflicts in the Middle East, but one whose insights into love and family can cross all cultural and political boundaries.

A Trumpet in the Wadi by Sami Michael is widely available at Amazon, your local independent bookstore and library.

Thanks to Marilyn Leavitt for leading this discussion!

Please RSVP directly to Marilyn at Levittmar@aol.com and let her know to expect you!

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