Welcome to Beth Shalom!
Serving Southern Saratoga County for the last 50 years, we are so excited to welcome you into our building, services, and synagogue family. While our unique membership comes from all branches of Judaism, we lean towards liberal Conservative practices and embrace interfaith, LGBTQA, and all our diverse friends and families. Have a question? Our Board and members are here to help. Poke around our website to learn more about us and contact us today so we can learn more about you! We are so glad you are here and can’t wait to greet you in person! We have several different membership options and one may be perfect for you. Please contact our Membership VP for additional information.
A Message from Rabbi Shara Siegfeld
As I write to you this week, I am preparing to spend next week in Los Angeles for an intensive residency as part of my doctoral studies at American Jewish University. While I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow, I will certainly miss being together in our sacred community next Shabbat.
And yet, there is something especially meaningful about the timing. Next Friday, May 15, the Capital District Jewish community will gather not in one synagogue, but as one people for a beautiful Community Shabbat at the Albany JCC. This gathering is a powerful reminder that the greater Jewish Community is strong and vibrant and that our strength continues to shine through our shared commitment to Jewish life.
The evening will begin at 6:00 PM with a range of service options, including Conservative, Orthodox, Reform, and a PJ Library Family Service, reflecting the rich diversity of our tradition. At 7:00 PM, there will be a communal kiddush and dinner, lovingly prepared by 518Kosher under the supervision of the Vaad Hakashruth of the Capital District. With options for all dietary needs and home hospitality available, this evening truly embodies the value of הכנסת אורחים (welcoming guests).
I encourage you to attend, to connect, and to celebrate the beauty of our wider Jewish family. Please be sure to register in advance. Registration requested by Friday, May 8. https://jewishfedny.ticketspice.com/community-shabbat-2026 (link is below in the Jewish Community Events section) OR CALL: (518) 783-7800.
Even from afar, I will be holding you in my thoughts and wishing you a Shabbat filled with warmth, connection, and blessing.
Shabbat Shalom, With Love, Rabbi Shara
Donate
If you would like to make a donation to Beth Shalom, please click on the “Donate” button at the top of this page. We have several categories available: General Congregational Fund, Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund, Cemetery Fund, High Holiday Appeal, Reyut, or Security.
After you select the category and the amount, you can write a specific note. For example, if you donate to the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund in memory of a loved one, you can include a note which will say, “In memory of _____________.”
If you would like to purchase a lovely Tree of Life Plaque or a Yahrzeit Plague, please click on the links below, complete the appropriate form and mail to or drop off at the Synagogue office with your remittance:
Kabbalat Shabbat - Fridays at 6:30 pm
Weekly, in-person and over Zoom. Oneg will follow.
Please see the Beth Shalom weekly email announcements for all worship details including Zoom information. Please note that the service schedule is subject to change. Check Thursday’s Beth Shalom email announcements for the most current information.
Beth Shalom Hadassah Book Club
Mitzvah Opportunities
We have a chance for volunteers to participate in a mitzvah by helping a refugee family who have settled in our area. Rabbi Beverly Magidson has forwarded this request to us.
The United States Committee on Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) is looking for volunteers to assist with a small Afghan refugee family located in Ballston Spa. The family consists of two older adults and two adult children. Most of what they need is daytime transportation to doctor appointments. They are living with family; their English is pretty good. USCRI would like to run background checks for volunteers (at their expense) but will not require it in this case.
Please contact Margaret Slotnick at mslotnick@uscri-albany.org
