Where We Worship: Society Hill Synagogue

THERE IS no "typical" Shabbat service at Society Hill Synagogue. One week, Rabbi Avi Winokur might include the works of Sufi mystics and Muslim spiritual giants. The next might feature writings by Christian leaders, noted intellectuals or Jewish religious thinkers.

One way the synagogue describes its open approach is by citing an old joke: "Two Jews, three opinions." That is to say, different people celebrate their faith in different ways.

"It's very eclectic," said Winokur, who has led the congregation for 13 years. "We are nondenominational, giving us freedom other synagogues don't have. It allows us to be innovative and traditional at the same time."

About 300 families strong, Society Hill is "quite a well-rounded place," the rabbi said. Besides being a place of worship, it's also a hub of activities centered on social justice and education.

"We're an urban synagogue," he said. "We believe that gives us a responsibility to act on behalf of the community in which we live."

Where we worship: Society Hill Synagogue is at 418 Spruce St. The building and facade of the historic, 190-year-old structure were designed by Thomas U. Walter, the architect behind the U.S. Capitol dome.

From 1829 to 1910, the building housed Spruce Street Baptist Church. In 1910, the Baptist congregation sold the property to a Jewish congregation that called the building the "Great Roumanian Shul." That name is still visible in Yiddish above the entrance.

Society Hill Synagogue acquired the building in 1967 and has since expanded into a neighboring building.

When we worship: Regular Friday evening services are held at 6:15 p.m. Saturday Shabbat services begin at 10 a.m.

The synagogue also routinely offers once-a-month special services, including a shortened family service (with more English than adult services) and a tot Shabbat led by the cantor that's meant to engage the youngest worshipers.

Winokur particularly enjoys monthly Friday services that feature musical performances - a jazz trio one month, a classical cellist another - and a shared meal. "People really love it," he said. "They get a real feeling of community and feel uplifted at the same time." The next of these TGIShabbat services, as they're called, is scheduled for Oct. 24.

What we believe: "That the Jewish religion and the Jewish people are a real vehicle for creating a life of meaning and depth," Winokur said. "Contributing to making the world a better place to live and being part of the community is part of that wonderful task."

Come visit this week. Just call first: Non-members are welcome to attend some High Holiday services, but they should contact the synagogue's office first to reserve a seat. "It's not that big a place," Winokur explained.

Good works: For the past five years, Society Hill has had a close relationship with Vare-Washington Elementary School, in South Philadelphia.

Synagogue members fill multiple roles at the school: One manages the volunteer program, others aid teachers in the classrooms or assist in after-school programs. The noted photographer Judy Gelles, a congregant at the synagogue, teaches an extensive program that includes portrait photography, interviewing skills and more.

"It's very hands-on," Winokur said. "Because of budget cuts, the school simply doesn't have enough hands."

Want to learn more? Consider one of the synagogue's classes, which are open to nonmembers. Rabbi Winokur teaches "Nuts & Bolts and Beyond: A (Re)Introduction to Judaism." Other current courses include "When Bad Things Happen to Good People," and an exploration of the increasing influence of Buddhism on Jewish thought and practice.

Big moral issues we're grappling with: The city has so many problems - poverty, blight, education deficiencies, unemployment - that the struggle "is finding the proper balance between devoting our energies to those while giving energy to other things in our lives that we need to do," Rabbi Winokur said. "It's tough. There's such an urgency and so much to do."

The synagogue is a member of POWER, the multifaith organization tackling school funding, livable wages and immigration reform.

Big moral issues we're not grappling with: Matters like homosexuality and interfaith marriage, which can be hot buttons elsewhere, are nonissues here. Society Hill welcomes interfaith couples, and Rabbi Winokur has performed same-sex unions for more than a decade.

As with other liberal religious communities, "these are not our issues," he said.

God is  . . . "That extraordinary and awesome power in the universe that stands behind all creativity, all love, all struggles for justice and all that makes life worth living. All of this makes this universe an extraordinary place in which to live."

Words of hope: Be open to accepting help from others because people do care, Rabbi Winokur said. "Don't shut yourself off or pull into a shell.

"Our best hopes are other people," he said. "God acts through us. We can be there for you. If you let us in, I think we can help."