Congregation Or Ami 

Congregation Or Ami

We are committed to traditional Jewish values as espoused by Conservative Judaism with an emphasis on egalitarian participation by members of all ages. Congregation Or Ami welcomes you today and invites you to participate with us as we strive to fulfill our vision of a vibrant and dynamic synagogue community. We are the only Conservative synagogue in West Houston!

Our Philosphy About Worship

Congregation Or Ami supports a traditional yet fully egalitarian style of worship. All post B'nai Mitzvah aged men and women are encouraged to participate in all aspects of ritual and religious life. This includes wearing Kippot, Tallit, and Tefillin whenever appropriate as well as leading the service, giving a D'var Torah (sermonette), and reading from the Torah.

Services are conducted by the Rabbi and members of the congregation. The responsibilities of Ba'al/Ba’alat Tefillah (prayer leader) are filled by a small cadre of capable and dedicated congregants. A special class is offered to train congregants to fulfill this mitzvah. D'var Torah is typically presented by the Rabbi. The Torah is read by an enthusiastic and skilled group of congregants, many of whom have learned the Torah trop (cantillation) during a special course offered by Or Ami. Or Ami is proud of its congregant's skill and ability at Torah reading.

Congregation Or Ami worships with the use of Siddur Sim Shalom, the Conservative Movement's official prayerbook. The service is a participatory one with a balance of Hebrew and English to accommodate all in attendance. The bimah (place from which the Ba'al/ Ba’alat Tefillah leads the service and the Torah is read) is centered in the sanctuary so as to create a sense of warmth, intimacy, and personal involvement in prayer. Children are welcome to be in the sanctuary, in the Simchat Shabbat Learner’s Minyan, or in babysitting.

Congregation Or Ami’s Vision Statement

“Kindling the Light of learning, spiritual growth, and compassion to nurture creative and innovative Jewish life in the home, in the synagogue and in the community".

Our Vision & Our Future

The genesis of Congregation Or Ami occurred on Sept 1, 2001 when two of Houston's Conservative Synagogues merged. Congregation's Beth Am and Or Hadash came together in response to a desire to share Jewish life and practice in a small and intimate setting.

On September 9, 2005 for Shabbat Services we moved into our new home and dedicated our new building.

The founding members set forth a vision of synagogue life which would extend their Jewish commitments and those of the next generation of Jews well into the 21st century. At the core of their vision were the values and priorities which echoed from the traditions of the past but which were embraced with new and contemporary ideas of the present.