Sign In Forgot Password

Our Values

Darchei Noam, Toronto’s only Reconstructionist Synagogue, blends Jewish practice with innovative forms of Jewish expression: a place where love of tradition meets appreciation of change. We recognize that Jewish life and community are works of imagination, courage and devotion that evolve over time yet preserve their unique wisdom and teachings.

Led by members, in partnership with our vibrant Rabbi Tina Grimberg, Darchei Noam emphasizes values that inspire us to create Jewish futures and make a positive difference in our families, our community and the world at large.

Darchei Noam is an inclusive, egalitarian and welcoming congregation. We aspire to create a sacred space that encourages all who enter to experience Jewish life as a source of joy. 

We hope you will join us.

Click here to read our full mission, vision and aspiration statement. 

A Values-Driven Community

As a community, Congregation Darchei Noam relies on our values to sustain and support our synagogue. In matters of ritual, finance, the environment, or any other elements of congregational life, our leadership and our members turn to our common values for inspiration:

Culture of Participation

We are a democratic member-led organization with many opportunities for congregant participation and leadership in all aspects of synagogue life: from family programming to ritual; from Kiddush to social justice programming and advocacy; and from fundraising to adult education programming. Today, Darchei Noam boasts 29 committees!

Egalitarianism

Men, women, and all gender identities and expressions participate fully and equally in synagogue life and can take on any leadership role, including those related to ritual.

Love of Tradition

We recognize that Jewish tradition connects us to both our Jewish past and present. Our liturgy draws deeply from tradition, and is enhanced by contemporary expressions of Jewish life.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

We value the diverse backgrounds, orientations, and experiences of our fellow Jews, and strive to address their needs with a wide variety of Jewish responses. All individuals, couples and families are encouraged to become an integral part of synagogue life, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression1 or family composition. We welcome the participation of our non-Jewish members as well, and encourage their involvement in our many congregational activities. See the Discrimination and Harrassment Policy of Darchei Noam here.

1 Gender identity is the personal sense of one's own gender. Gender identity can correlate with a person’s assigned sex at birth or can differ from it. Gender expression typically reflects a person's gender identity, but this is not always the case. While a person may express behaviors, attitudes, and appearances consistent with a particular gender role such expression may not necessarily reflect their gender identity. The term gender identity was originally coined by Robert Stoller in 1964.

Spirituality

In addition to a tradition-based egalitarian approach to Jewish practice, members connect to Judaism in alternate meaningful ways such as meditation, poetry, mussar study, yoga, healing and other forms of spiritual expression.

Instilling a Love of Judaism and the Jewish people in the Next Generation

Our Hebrew School and youth and family programming draw on our students’ creativity to foster a love of Judaism, a bond with our synagogue community, a strong sense of Jewish identity, and a connection to Jews everywhere.

Tikkun Olam

We believe in social action based on Jewish ethics. Our members are committed to improving the world we live in. We celebrate the sacred in all aspects of life.

Connection to Israel

We view Israel as central to Judaism today, and foster a connection between the Jewish state and our community. We encourage respectful and open dialogue, where a wide spectrum of voices is heard.

Caring Community

We support our members throughout their lives and share communal experiences in times of need and in times of joy.

Learning

We provide opportunities for lifelong Jewish learning through stimulating multigenerational programming that connects our members and the broader Jewish community with our tradition, history, politics, and culture.

Arts and Culture

Music and the arts are central to our experience of Judaism and considered to be vibrant expressions of our Jewish identity.

Tue, 19 March 2024 9 Adar II 5784