Shoreshim Jewish Community started in 1977 with a small group of families meeting in each other’s homes to provide a Jewish education for their children.  We hold most of our services and events in the Reston/Herndon area of Fairfax County, Virginia.

Shoreshim members take leadership roles in governing, educating, providing music, taking social action, and leading our Shabbat and High Holiday services.

An emphasis on active involvement distinguishes Shoreshim from other congregations. Such involvement enriches individual experience, deepens family relationships and friendships, and creates a strong, intertwined community. Each member has an equal opportunity to determine the direction and goals of the community.

Shoreshim is governed by an all-volunteer Executive Board that is elected by the membership at our annual meeting.

Meet the 2021-22 Executive Board of Directors

President: Jenny Garfinkle
Treasurer: Barry Bleiweis
Secretary: Susan Goldfedder
Events Team: Eileen Harahan, Jerry Gordon
Membership Team: Lou Schmuckler
At-Large: Sharon Singer

Rabbi Benjamin Shalva

Rabbi Benjamin Shalva currently serves as a resource for Shoreshim Jewish Community, leading us in prayer and discussion during some of our Shabbat services, holidays and other events.

Rabbi Shalva serves on the faculties of the Soul Center in Baltimore and the Jewish Mindfulness Center of Washington, D.C., and is the Camp Rabbi and Director of Jewish Life for Tamarack Camps in Michigan. He is the author of two books — Spiritual Cross-Training: Searching through Silence, Stretch, and Song and Ambition Addiction: How to Go Slow, Give Thanks, and Discover Joy Within. Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, he lives in Baltimore with his wife, Sara Shalva, and their children, Lev and Avital.

www.benjaminshalva.com