Our Building
The Sandhills Jewish Congregation (SJC) at Beth Shalom is a warm and vibrant congregation devoted to Jewish learning, worship and acts of loving-kindness. We are affiliated with the Reform Movement and are members of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ).
Beth Shalom opened its doors in September of 2002. Our membership as of 2023 includes over 100 households of which about 20% are interfaith. We have an active religious school program. Other than our part-time Rabbi, there is no Temple staff, everything is done by volunteer members.
SJC welcomes individuals and families of all backgrounds who seek to explore the Jewish way of life, spiritual growth, and learning.
What SJC has to offer
Shabbat Services – On the third Friday of each month, Rabbi Ruth Abusch-Magder (Rabbi Ruth) leads the congregation in a Shabbat service at 7:00 p.m., which is also available by Zoom. Periodically, we also offer lay led Services and potluck Shabbats. Security is provided at all services and during Religious School and all temple events.
High Holy Days – SJC offers both adult and children’s services at Beth Shalom. Membership includes High Holiday tickets.
Holidays – Hanukah party, Passover Seder, Sukkot, Tashlik, TuB’shevat, Yom Hashoah, Purim.
Religious and Hebrew Education Programs – SJC has partnered with the Institute of Southern Jewish Life (ISJL) for our religious school curriculum. The curriculum is developmentally appropriate, nurturing students’ Jewish identity, equipping students to live rich and meaningful lives. Our religious school program emphasizes Jewish learning in a fun and stimulating educational environment. Dedicated members volunteer year after year to teach our youth on Sundays. The Gagalim program for children ages 3 to kindergarten is offered once a month, and the Religious/Hebrew program for grades 1 to Bar/Bat Mitzvah is offered weekly on Sunday mornings. The Rabbi also does some of the teachings on her monthly visits. In order to enroll a child in religious school, one parent must be a member.
Shabbat Service
Shabbat Service Honoring Founding Members
Adult Education – On Rabbi weekends we offer Torah study, Havdallah and adult discussion sessions which is offered at SJC and available by Zoom. There is also an active Book Club that meets every other month. Special lectures and events bring outside speakers to the community.
Life Cycle Events – We will assist members with all life cycle events, such as baby namings, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Adult Conversions, weddings, funerals, Shiva services and unveilings. Each event is personalized to meet the needs of each family. Temple facilities are also available for use during these important events.
Social Programs – Special events such as our annual picnic, cooking classes, Sunday Lecture Brunches, movies, and fundraising events are all opportunities to get together with fellow members. Periodically, we have a special Shabbat service honoring new members.