Ahavat Olam….…the very definition of Ahavat Olam is Everlasting Love, but also a prayer that acknowledges God’s timeless love toward Israel and all people. Ahavat Olam is a phrase that calls us to action, to love all humankind, and this fully captures the vision, practice, and essence of Congregation Ahavat Olam. Our name, Congregation Ahavat Olam, is not just a name, it is our philosophy for being. ‘Everlasting Love’ is an integral part of who we are as a community and our responsibility to that end.
At Congregation Ahavat Olam we offer a variety of vibrant programs and activities for members of all ages, in addition to our ruach-filled (spiritual) services. We have carefully constructed our Congregation to provide opportunities for all of our members to be as involved as they wish. We hope to empower our youth and introduce them to opportunities to grow, develop, and shine through leadership roles.
Ahavat Olam implements the power of music and its vital importance in everything we do. Music plays an integral part of any identity, tradition, and culture, and has the power to affect people, especially children. The use of musical instruments in worship connects the older Eastern musical style where the cantor is the soloist and the community sings along. Instruments invite the community to join in singing the melodies. Our congregation knows it is important to blend the music of the last few decades with the voices of generations past to find an appropriate balance. Each generation produces its own music, just as it produces its own literature and other cultural art forms. It is a continuum, and we use music as a vehicle to connect the past, present, and future.
Congregation Ahavat Olam is a welcoming and inclusive synagogue, proudly rooted in Jewish history and identity, open to different backgrounds and every point of view. We come together to learn, celebrate and worship, honoring and accepting each other. Our spiritual, cultural and intellectual journeys lead us to Ahavat Olam. Our community extends well beyond our walls. Our values of justice, acceptance, education and inspiration are tools that guide us through our neighborhoods where we live and beyond.