Note by Note: Introducing our "Living Room"
Date: Apr 17, 2025
Author: Shir Hadash
Spring is in the Air! Spring is a time of renewal, and at Shir Hadash, we are experiencing a beautiful blossoming across many areas of our congregational life. We invite you to be a part of that blossoming by joining us at our Congregational Meeting on May 18th. Please visit our website to register and to learn from our leadership why this is such a critical meeting for our future.
Fresh approaches are blooming in our Shabbat services. If you’re a regular attendee, you may notice subtle enhancements. If it’s been a while since your last Shabbat with us, services may feel wonderfully new and refreshing! Here’s what’s new:
More platforms to Connect: We’ve added several new English readings and moments for reflection to help deepen the shared spiritual experience—especially for those newer to Hebrew or looking for ways in.
Stronger Visual Connection: Our Davening Team now sits a bit higher, which has helped create a more visible and connected prayer space.
Clarity and Connection: As part of our broader efforts to deepen engagement, we’re exploring ways to make teachings more accessible. This includes ongoing coaching and support for our clergy as they grow with us. Another exciting area of renewal is our newly renovated
Education Building Lobby, aka The Living Room! The refreshed space now offers comfortable seating, efficient workstations, and cozy table areas—perfect for impromptu meetings, casual chats, or even a lively game of Mah Jongg!
An unexpected plumbing issue accelerated our renovation timeline, leading to a full floor replacement through an insurance claim. Once the new floors were in, the space practically called out for something new. Thanks to generous congregant-directed donations and the thoughtful creativity of our aesthetics committee, we transformed the space into something open, warm, and welcoming.
Now, when you walk into the Living Room on a Sunday, it’s hard not to smile, the Kulanu Café is buzzing. Friends are gathering around games or enjoying coffee and kids are zipping through with snacks in hand. People are lingering. Talking. Connecting.
For many years, our gift shop served as more than just a place to purchase Judaica—it was a beloved gathering spot, a hub of connection and conversation. When it came time to reimagine how we use our space, we knew it would be a difficult change. The heart behind the shop—the desire to bring people together—remains unchanged, but the vehicle needed to evolve. The purpose - bringing people together - was never lost, it just found a new form. And when you see it in action, it’s hard not to feel excited about what a vibrant and evolving community we are.
Our long-loved gift shop played a big part in creating a warm, communal vibe over the years. As we started rethinking how to best use our space, we made the difficult decision to transition the shop out of its original location to make room for what is now the Living Room. With help from the Women of Shir Hadash, we’re exploring new and creative ways to continue offering the treasured Judaica items in fresh and flexible ways.
We invite you to come experience the spirit of spring—and the spirit of Shir Hadash—for yourself.
