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FAQs
I would like to belong to Har HaShem, but am worried that I will not be able to afford it.
I would like to enroll my child in religious school. Do I need to be a member?
I’ve been attending Shabbat worship services for years, but have never joined. What else will membership get me?
My partner is a non-Jew. Will my partner feel comfortable?
Does Har HaShem have a policy of welcoming GLBT Jews?
Synagogues always emphasize family, but I am single. How will I fit in to your congregation?
My children are Asian-American Jews. Will they be welcomed at Har HaShem?
I understand you have a robust school program, but my children have grown and left the house. What is here for me?
I went to worship services once, but was not comfortable with the style of prayer.
I would like to belong to Har HaShem, but am worried that I will not be able to afford it.
Our Fair Share Dues Structure is based on a percentage of income. We find this to be the most equitable system. No one is turned away for financial reasons. We invite you to discuss this with our Executive Director in confidence.
I would like to enroll my child in religious school. Do I need to be a member?
At Har HaShem, we hope that our young people become attached to our community through our formal school programs and informal youth and camping programs. But more than that, we want Har HaShem to be a home for the entire family. Therefore, membership is a pre-requisite for school enrollment in hopes that Har HaShem becomes a place for the entire family to grow their Jewish identity.
I’ve been attending Shabbat worship services for years, but have never joined. What else will membership get me?
We are not sure what your membership will “get” YOU. Typically, membership is a personal statement that we know opens doors to spiritual, educational and social connections that are most fully developed when you make that statement. It’s a way of being on the inside of a community, and sharing in the wealth of what that community can offer you, as well as what you can do to enrich the community. Members also have a financial commitment to Har HaShem governed by each member’s own circumstances. That commitment will help ensure that everything you value about Shabbat at Har HaShem continues to be here. The clergy, the lights, the prayer books, the chairs and everything else you value has been paid for by others. They did not ask anything of you to initially enjoy them. Now that you do, and much time has passed, it’s appropriate for you to help shoulder that financial responsibility to the best of your ability. Everyone is always welcome to join us in worship, without regard to membership status.
My partner is a non-Jew. Will my partner feel comfortable?
Har HaShem is proud of our diverse congregation. We enjoy a community that is at least 50% interfaith families. Our clergy team and staff welcome and value the participation of those in our community who are not Jewish. We understand that many interfaith families struggle with issues from time to time and we provide resources, programs and support. Har HaShem interfaith families contribute to the strong fabric that makes our community great.
Does Har HaShem have a policy of welcoming GLBT Jews?
Har HaShem has adopted and affirmed a resolution making it an official policy of our congregation that we support and affirm the Union for Reform Judaism’s Resolution to end discrimination against homosexuals, and fully include gay and lesbian Jews in all aspects of synagogue life. We believe our congregation must be a place where loneliness, suffering and exile end and that all Jews know that they are accepted, regardless of their sexual orientation, and that we place no limits on their communal or spiritual aspirations.
Synagogues always emphasize family, but I am single. How will I fit in to your congregation?
Har HaShem welcomes everyone. We are pleased to have such a large variety of members and know that a religious community is important for everyone, whether they are part of a family or solo. Boulder is unique in that so many individuals have relocated here, away from their own families. We hope that your involvement in Har HaShem will help you feel like you have an extended family here.
My children are Asian-American Jews. Will they be welcomed at Har HaShem?
Jews have always come from many different lands and ethnic cultures. Har HaShem’s membership reflects that reality. We have families from Israel, Hungary, France and Tunisia. We have children who have been adopted from Asia. We have parents who are African-American, Asian and Latino. The faces of our young people mirror the great multi-cultural variety that is Judaism.
I understand you have a robust school program, but my children have grown and left the house. What is here for me?
Har HaShem offers many worship, educational, social and social action programs for all of its members. We have adult classes for those of you who would like to continue your learning on subjects ranging from philosophy and contemporary issues to Jews in Rock. We have chavurot, or groups, for those at your stage of life, to develop social networks. We offer many opportunities to volunteer, making a difference in the synagogue and area. We hope we can play a role in expanding your Jewish community and identity at this unique stage of life.
I went to worship services once, but was not comfortable with the style of prayer.
We recognize that people have different spiritual needs, connecting to God and community in many different ways. We offer traditional Torah services, informal minyanim and musical services. We offer services with families for young children and services for those in need of healing. We hold services indoors and out. Our services are a blend of Hebrew, music, readings and teachings. We hope to be able to offer something to help everyone feel at home.
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