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An Egalitarian Conservative Synagogue
Congregation
Or Ami
Houston's newest Conservative synagogue is dedicated to enhancing the observance and
celebration of Judaism in a manner which promotes full participation and mutual respect
among its members.
"Our
Vision & Our Future"
The genesis of Congregation Or Ami occurred on Sept 1, 2001 when two of Houstons
Conservative Synagogues merged. Congragations 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 before Shabbat Services we moved into our new home, and dedicated
the Building.
The founding members, along with Rabbi Shaul Osadchey, 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.
Congregation Or Ami is committed to fostering traditional Jewish values as espoused
by Conservative Judaism with an emphasis on full 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.
Congregation Or Ami’s Vision Statement as adopted in 2004:
“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 Philosphy About Worship
Congregation Or Ami is committed to 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.
All services are conducted by Rabbi Osadchey 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. The weekly presentation of a D'var Torah is
shared by Rabbi Osadchey and, on the third Shabbatot of the month
when he conducts the Shabbat Learner’s Minyan, by members of the synagogue. 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
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 Houston, TX