Rooted in the idea of renewal, Congregation Shir Hadash blends prayer, music, and tradition with thoughtful exploration. Founded in 1980, it has grown into an inclusive community centered on worship, joyful expression, learning, and social responsibility.
I had the opportunity to attend a Shabbat service at Congregation Shir Hadash, and I came away deeply impressed by the warmth and openness of the community. From the moment I arrived, I felt genuinely welcomed, especially by Rabbi Rafi Ellenson, who took the time to greet me personally and graciously offered me the opportunity to interview him.
The service itself carried a strong sense of connection and reflection, and what stayed with me most was the closeness of the community, expressed through the singing, and shared rhythms of the gathering. It felt not only spiritually engaging but also deeply human, shaped by the sincerity, warmth, and collective presence of the congregation.