Since our founding in 1876, Temple House of Israel (THOI) has been a part of sustaining Jewish life as a House of worship, study, fellowship, and Tikkun Olam.  If you live in or are considering moving to the Shenandoah Valley, exploring your Jewish roots, embarking on a spiritual journey, knowing more about the Jewish faith, or seeking a Jewish sanctuary while visiting this area, know that you will be warmly welcomed.

Please join us at one of our in-person Shabbat services, held on the first Friday evening (7:00 pm) and third Saturday morning (10:00 am) of every month- except July- in our historic Temple building. We use the Mishkan T’Filah Reform prayer book for Shabbat and High Holy Day Services. Following services we typically gather in our social hall for the customary “oneg” (fellowship and desserts), an informal setting where you can meet
Members of our congregation, learn more about our community, and what makes THOI so special.

We also invite you to participate in our many regular programs and special activities, some of which are held in-person and others virtually. To find out more about specific events, please check our Calendar.

For additional information on THOI or Membership questions, please feel free to contact:

 Membership

We are a small but vibrant congregation that takes pride in maintaining a Jewish presence in Staunton and the Valley, actively participating in community and outreach events.  At THOI, we join together to celebrate life-cycle and milestone occasions while offering comfort and support during times of need, sorrow, and mourning.

Temple House of Israel (THOI) offers a friendly, caring, and inclusive environment.   We welcome Jews of all backgrounds along with interfaith couples and families.  Our congregation follows the principles of Reform Judaism, with its ever-evolving Torah and traditions, engages in study and worship while embracing tikkun olam. 

Becoming a member allows you to enjoy the full range of THOI programs, services, and activities, including Rabbinic Spiritual Counseling, Adult Education, Book Club, Women’s Group, Holiday Celebrations, Congregational Dinners, Lending Library, Judaica Shop, Weekly Email Newsletters, and THOI Cares.  

If you are interested in becoming part of our congregation, please fill out our Membership Application.    

Once you have completed the form, you can email a scanned, signed pdf copy to:  [email protected], OR send it via regular mail marked attention Membership to: THOI, P.O. Box 1412, Staunton, VA  24402-1412.  

After your application is received, the THOI Board of Directors will review it at their next scheduled meeting and promptly inform you.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Membership Chair at:  [email protected]

Annual Dues

We keep our dues affordable by relying on member volunteers instead of paid administrative staff.  For all new Individual and Family Memberships, regardless of age, we offer first year dues reductions. Those dues reductions continue for Individuals age 35 and under, and for Families age 35 and under (until one adult turns 36).

Special Membership Types: We offer non-voting Affiliate Memberships ($100 annual dues) for those who have begun the conversion process to Judaism or whose primary residence is over one hundred miles from THOI. College Student Memberships ($54 annual dues) are also available.  There are no discounts associated with these membership categories.

For High Holy Day services, guests and visitors are always welcome to join us in worship.  We do not charge for tickets, but donations are always welcome.