Ohel Leah's Ethos

Ohel Leah Synagogue is a community with a cause. As an Orthodox congregation, we strive to embody the core values of our movement. What are these principles for which we stand? What is Ohel Leah's defining ethos?

First and foremost, our institution carefully guards its religious integrity. Halacha, the complex system of Jewish law and custom, is our "religious constitution". Allegiance to halacha is the hallmark of authentic, historic Judaism and Ohel Leah is proudly loyal to both the letter and spirit of halacha. In all of our services, programs and social events, halachic propriety is priority number one. Our willingness to innovate within halacha's boundaries to meet contemporary Jewry's spiritual needs should never blur our ultimate submission to halachic standards.

Alongside its firm commitment to Torah law, Ohel Leah embraces diversity and avoids judgementalism. With members representing over twenty nationalities whose Jewish backgrounds span the entire religious spectrum, Ohel Leah is one of the most diverse synagogues in the world. Members are encouraged to express their Sephardic, Ashkenazic, Yemenite, English, French, Israeli (etc.) religious cultures within the community. The varied customs and melodies of our services reflect this fusion of religious heritages. Moreover, no one is judged based on his/her religious background or present level of observance. Every Jew is warmly welcomed without prejudice to explore his/her Judaism as he/she is.