Community Cemetery Membership

Our congregation’s one acre cemetery, Our membership is a representative de- established in 1886, is located on N. mographic from Staunton, Waynesboro Augusta Street and holds the key to Jewish and Lexington plus Bath, Augusta, Highland, Rock- heritage in this area. The cemetery was acquired even bridge and Nelson counties. Outreach extends to before there was a . For the past 150 the students of Mary University, Blue years members of the Jewish community have Community College, Washington and Lee used this cemetery to honor our ances- University, Stuart Hall School and Fishburne tors. Throughout the year, special services are Military School. conducted within the cemetery. The congregation is a family into which all Jews are welcome. We welcome non-Jewish partners.

Library Membership benefits include access to

educational programs, access to the Temple library, Our collection includes Jewish history, voting privileges, and a monthly bulletin. Dues are culture, religious life, cookbooks and structured on a sliding scale, when necessary. Our novels. All members have borrowing privileges. application information is listed on our web site.

Women’s Group

The Women’s Group has been a Contact Information vibrant part of our synagogue for over 100 years. We provide an opportunity for fun and friendship among the women of the Please call: (540) 886-4091

Temple. Our group organizes and facilitates Visit us online at: community outreach activities and holds fund- www.thoi.org raising activities which support additional Temple functions. On fb: Temple House of Israel

Judaica Shop Mailing address:

Temple House of Israel Our Judaica shop is the source for all P.O. Box 1412 Temple House of Israel things Jewish in Staunton. Find a Staunton, VA 24402-1412 15 North Market Street little of everything from books, cards and jewelry to seder plates, menorahs, mezuzot, and yahrzeit Physical address: Staunton, VA 24401 candles. What isn’t in stock is always available 15 North Market Street www.thoi.org by special order by contacting the Temple. Staunton, VA 24401  About Us History

Our synagogue is aligned with the We honor our congregation’s Together with Congregation Beth principles of Reform . We long history, heritage and traditions El in Harrisonburg, we offer a hold to a tradition that emphasizes both while adapting to the interests of members. comprehensive religious school for students religious practice and social action. We partic- The congregation dates to 1876 and was orga- ages 3 – 13. The curriculum includes Jewish ipate in local interfaith programs, presentations nized under the leadership of Alexander Hart, a history, religion, holiday celebrations, liturgy, in local schools and colleges and support former major in the Confederate Army. music, Torah, Hebrew and modern Israel. charitable drives. Although small in number, we are proud of our spirit, energy, history, and In 1884 a building was purchased as a place of commitment to our members. Engaging in pro- worship at 200 Kalorama Street that still stands Adult Education jects that enhance social justice, tikkun olam and today. Shortly thereafter THOI joined the Union for then known as the tzedakah are important to us. Under the direction of the , Union of American Hebrew Congregations. Adult Education classes are offered

We offer our members and the community-at- throughout the year including Hebrew, Torah When the outgrew the original large a sense of caring, as well as a full comple- study, Talmud, and introduction to Judaism. building, a lot on North Market Street was ment of religious services and activities for the entire family. Each member is an vital part of purchased from Mary Baldwin College, now our temple mishpachah (family). known as . In 1924 Jewish Calendar Celebrations architect S. J. Collins was engaged to design our Temple House of Israel (THOI) maintains a new building which has been in use ever since. Each year we celebrate an Erev Rosh working relationship with Congregation Beth The building’s Moorish style, the treasured Hashanah dessert, Yom Kippur El in Harrisonburg with whom we share Connick stained glass windows, Moravian break-the-fast, Chanukah menorah lighting rabbinic services as well as various program- ceramic tiles and other details all with dinner, Passover community seder, ming and social events. Rabbi-led services with to the structure’s historic and architectural Women’s Group Shabbat dinners and Kiddush Oneg are held every week, alternating between significance. luncheons. . Our vision is to build and nurture a strong, vibrant Jewish community, connected Preserving the integrity of the structure The Staunton and Harrisonburg congregations to and supporting the larger community and the is a major concern of our congregation. annually alternate Sukkah building, Simchat world. In the interest of accessibility, renovations have Torah celebration, Tu B’shevat Seder and made the building largely compliant with the Purim party. Our congregation is governed by a Board of Di- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). rectors elected from the membership. In a small Further accommodations may be requested. community such as ours, every voice is Tours of our historic sanctuary are available by important and is heard. special arrangement.