About

A progressive Reform congregation rooted in a long, proud history.

Mission & Values

Congregation Berith Sholom is a progressive Reform congregation rooted in a long, proud history.
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We are, above all, a caring community, warm, open, and diverse. We welcome traditional and non-traditional families to pursue joyous worship, lifelong learning and acts of loving kindness.
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We are engaged with the State of Israel and the spirit of Reform Judaism, encouraging members of all ages to work actively within our congregation and in the wider community to help improve the world.

Our History

In 1866, a year after the Civil War, “all male persons of full age” were gathered together “in their rooms in the Wotkyns’ Block… for the purpose of incorporating themselves as the religious Society and Congregation of Baris Sholem.”
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This group had, in the previous decade, organized worship services in their homes and created a burial society. By 1870, land was purchased at the present site on Third and Division Streets in Troy.
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The cornerstone was laid in June, and the building was completed in time for the High Holy Days in September of that year. It now is New York State’s oldest building in continuous use as a synagogue.

Our Rabbi

Debora S. Gordon

Rabbi Gordon was ordained at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in 1997 and came directly to Congregation Berith Sholom.

Watch Reb Deb's 25th Anniversary celebration
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During nearly a quarter of a century in New York’s Capital District, she has guided Congregation Berith Sholom into a dynamic congregation of learners and leaders, and the congregation has nurtured Rabbi Gordon in practices of Tikkun Olam, deeds that repair the world.
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Her partnership with Cantorial Associate Emerita Leslie Boyer led to the development of a dedicated volunteer choir with a wide-ranging repertoire, whose members now serve as the chazzanim/chazzaniot (prayer leaders) for High Holy Days.

Contact Rabbi Gordon at rabbi@berithsholomtroy.org.

Or schedule a meeting at
calendly.com/rebdebgordon.

Our Choir

Led by Choir Director Dan Foster

Evocative and moving, our celebrated choir performs for High Holy Days and other special services throughout the calendar year, enhancing the synagogue experience.

To hear more about the choir, reach out to Dan Foster at choir@berithsholomtroy.org.

Our Cemetery

The Congregation Berith Sholom cemetery lies within the Elmwood Hill Cemetery in Troy, NY.

The Congregation owns two areas for burial separated by a few hundred yards. The old cemetery was established in the 1800s, and the newer area was purchased early in the 21st century with funds bequeathed to the congregation by Ruth Marinsky z”l.

The original gate was restored in 2022 in memory of Alan Ira Sirvint z”l by his husband Ed Rhubart.

For more information on Congregation Berith Sholom burials and Jewish customs in general visit our cemetery page.

Lay Leadership

Interested in serving our congregation as a trustee, committee leader, or committee member? Contact the Main Office at 518-272-8872, or reach us by email at office@berithsholomtroy.org.

Looking to give or receive support?

See the many ways our community can support your needs – or start doing more to help other at Congregation Berith Sholom.

Give or Receive Support

Executive Officers

Beth Hershenhart
President
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president@berithsholomtroy.org
Amy Lovett
Secretary
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secretary@berithsholomtroy.org

Synagogue Leadership & Staff

Debora S. Gordon
Rabbi
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rabbi@berithsholomtroy.org
Andrew Dudziec
Office Manager
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office@berithsholomtroy.org
Dan Foster
Choir Director
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choir@berithsholomtroy.org
Sabrina Manna
Choir Coordinator
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Margaret Harvey
Capital Project Co-Chair
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David Gittelman
Capital Project Co-Chair
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Trustees

David Le Vine
Cemetery Trustee
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cemetery@berithsholomtroy.org
Karl Yesse
Chair of Security
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security@berithsholomtroy.org
Allyson Beletti
Chair of the Lev B’lev Committee
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levblev@berithsholomtroy.org
Beth Hershenhart
Chair of the Sustainability Chevra
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chevra@berithsholomtroy.org
Kyra Garrigue
Co-Chair of the Membership Committee
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join@berithsholomtroy.org
Shelley R. Stein
Trustee
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Daniel Kirk-Davidoff
Trustee
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Wendy Neifeld Wheeler
Trustee
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Debbie Birnbaum
Trustee, Co-Chair of Membership Committee
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Support

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167 Third Street
Troy, NY
12180

518-272-8872
office@berithsholomtroy.org
rabbi@berithsholomtroy.org

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@2021 Congregation Berith Sholom. All Rights Reserved.

Congregation Berith Sholom is a 501(c) (3) organization and tzedakah (contributions) are tax-deductible. Our tax ID number is 14-6014559.
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