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.

As a Member you have the opportunity to experience a full range of programs, services, and activities including Rabbinic spiritual counseling, Adult Education, Book Club, Women’s Group, Ritual, Holiday Celebrations, ecumenical gatherings, and special congregational lunches and dinners.

THOI is proud of our inclusive spirit.  New members are not strangers to our congregational family for very long.  We welcome Jews of all backgrounds- by birth, by choice, and at heart- as well as interfaith couples and families.

If you are interested in joining our Temple congregation and becoming part of our spiritual journey, please complete the membership application and return it either by email (with a scanned copy/PDF) or via regular mail to THOI’s mailing address.  It will be reviewed by the Board of Directors at their next monthly meeting and you will then be promptly notified of their action.

  Annual Dues and Fees

 THOI has carefully developed a dues structure that we believe is fair and affordable:  Family ($1075); Individual ($900); Student ($54), and; Affiliate ($100), for non-voting Members whose primary residence is over 100 miles from THOI.

THOI recognizes that Members and/or prospective Members may sometimes face unique or unexpected financial challenges that impact the ability to pay full membership dues.   In those situations, our policy is to arrive at a mutually agreed-upon level.  Once you have been notified of your membership status, should you have any special financial considerations or needs, please contact Patty Sutker, Treasurer: [email protected] Your financial situation will be held in strict confidence.

If you are financially able, we also would encourage you to consider giving an additional annual contribution of $300.00 or more to the Building Fund to help maintain our historic structure and sanctuary.  Congregants also have created a Torah Fund by offering matching money as an incentive.  Please support existing funds or contact the THOI President or Treasurer if you see a particular need and want to discuss establishing a matching fund to address it.

For High Holy Day services, guests and visitors are always welcome to join us in worship.  We do not require ticket purchases but ask that you consider making a donation.

Health and safety conditions permitting, at various times throughout the year we gather together as a congregation in the social hall for dinners to celebrate and observe certain Jewish holidays.  For those special occasions, we do charge a small fee to cover the costs.