OneShul’s mission is to create a community of engaged, believing, supporting, practicing Jews that are excited about being Jewish in the 21st century. We aim to create a Judaism without borders, an approachable and welcoming community that accepts and even encourages honest questions and questioning.
OneShul is the world’s first online, lay led synagogue. Our community has online streaming prayer services, Shabbat services, Rosh Chodesh, holiday events, classes and more. Our community fosters friendship, connection and spiritual creativity.
When was OneShul founded?
The seed for OneShul was planted by PunkTorah, the 501(c)(3) Jewish non-profit media company dedicated to independent Jewish spirituality. We began having afternoon prayer services streaming online, and quickly seeing the need for an online synagogue, volunteers banded together to start OneShul.
Where is OneShul located? Do you have a building?
OneShul is everywhere! We stream our classes and prayer services from our members’ homes, offices, classrooms, or wherever they need to be. Our community interacts through our prayer service chatroom and on Facebook. Many of our members around the country host other members in each others homes.
Our administrative offices are located in Atlanta, GA.
Why an online community? Aren’t you missing something?
Our community is not missing anything. In fact, we would miss each other if we were forced to be in one city, in one building, without the ability to interact and share our lives with each other. We don’t consider OneShul to be synagogue “instead of” somewhere else. This is our community and we love having you as a part of it.
Is OneShul affiliated with a Jewish movement or organization?
OneShul is an independent, post-denominational community. We’re open to Jews (and non-Jews) of all backgrounds and associations. We are egalitarian, inclusive, diverse and excited about the future of the Jewish tradition. All of our services are lay led; however, rabbis often teach classes.
OneShul seems a lot like (Modern Orthodoxy, Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist)…
The great thing about being independent and having a diverse community is that we get to experience the best parts of all the Jewish movements, while remaining true to our own individual beliefs. Most people involved in OneShul do not fit well into the categories that movements have created. That’s why we’re doing something new.
Who is your rabbi?
As a peer led community, we are interested in working together to create the Judaism of the future. While many of us take on leadership positions teaching, providing spiritual support and leading prayer services, we believe in a spiritual democracy where we as a community make decisions and teach each other. Rabbis frequently teach classes, and we are very excited to have alternative Jewish spiritual leadership from volunteers.
How can I become a part of the community?
Welcome! You already are. Join our Facebook fan page. Come to services or a class. Better yet, offer to lead a service/class or volunteer. We’re glad you’re here.
What if I’m not very tech-savvy? Can I still participate?
Don’t worry, everything on our site is easy to use (and fun!) Having trouble using any part of the site? Just send us an email. We would be glad to assist you. And don’t worry–we’re not tech savvy either.
Do I have to pay dues to belong to OneShul?
Every community member contributes to make OneShul happen, whether it’s helping on the website, teaching a class…we even have a friend who made jewelry for us to sell as a fundraiser! Spend some time with us. And if you like this community, please volunteer your time or give a financial donation.
