Mission Statement

Pnai Or Philadelphia is an extended family of community builders, spiritual seekers and social activists who have found a home in, or are seeking, a revived Judaism. We are a Jewish Renewal Community.  We join together for prayer, study, and celebration.

 

Together we are creating a Jewish community where women and men share in all forms of worship, teaching, leadership and decision making. We seek the development and elevation of the whole person, bringing Godliness into the inner search for self expression, and personal growth. Our liturgy is holistic, embracing God’s feminine and masculine aspects as equal facets of an even greater Oneness.

We believe that the spiritual path which began with Abraham and Sarah continues to offer guidance and inspiration to contemporary people searching for individual and communal growth and renewal.

Pnai Or Philadelphia welcomes a diversity of members: e.g. racial, ethnic, other denominational affiliation, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, etc.

We are a cooperative community and expect all our members to participate in a meaningful way according to their gifts and resources to enrich the spiritual life of its members.

We strive to balance tradition with innovation by creating pathways of prayer, study and action that integrate the richness of our vast heritage with the vitality of life in the global present.

With awe and reverence, tears and laughter, song and dance we come together to share a zest for life, a quest for healing and a sensitivity to the ills of the world.

We are committed to:

creating sacred prayer space to help every Jew discover the “rebbe within.” We seek to amplify our prayers through each other’s support and presence.

evolving a Jewish path accessible to all who seek to explore and learn.

building a supportive community where we will learn together, respond to each other in times of need, celebrate together, and honor life’s transitions

creating a soul_filled educational environment to transmit vibrant Judaism to ourselves and our children.

Tikkun Olam, the healing of brokenness in the world through mitzvot and acts of caring.

Torah’s call to pursue peace, justice and care for the earth.

a deep love of Israel, striving to realize peace between the children of Isaac and the children of Ishmael in the promised land of our ancestors.