Congregation Shomrei Emunah
| Congregation Shomrei Emunah | |
|---|---|
| Basic information | |
| Location | 6221 Greenspring Avenue |
| Geographic coordinates | 39°22′8″N 76°40′49″W / 39.36889°N 76.68028°WCoordinates: 39°22′8″N 76°40′49″W / 39.36889°N 76.68028°W |
| Affiliation | Orthodox Judaism |
| Rite | Ashkenazic |
| State | Maryland |
| Region | Baltimore |
| Country | United States of America |
| Year consecrated | 1971 |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Active |
| Website | shomreiemunah.org |
Congregation Shomrei Emunah (Hebrew: קהילת שומרי אמונה) is an Orthodox Jewish synagogue in the Greenspring neighborhood of Baltimore, Maryland. Rabbi Binyamin Marwick is the synagogue's rabbi and the youth director is Josh Zaslow.
The synagogue was founded in 1971 by Lithuanian-born Rabbi Benjamin Bak, who led the congregation from 1972 until 1989. Bak was succeeded by Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Weinreb, who served as spiritual leader for 13 years before becoming head of the Orthodox Union in 2002. Under Weinreb's administration, membership increased from 140 to 450 families.
Rabbi Dovid Gottlieb, who received his rabbinic ordination from Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary, served as spiritual leader until making aliyah in 2009. He was succeeded by Rabbi Binyamin Marwick, a musmach of Yeshivas Ner Yisroel, who is the current rabbi. The Shul has grown under his leadership to 575 families.
The congregation's present building, completed in 2009, was designed by Curry Architects of Towson, Maryland.Jerusalem stone is incorporated in the interior wall design of the central lobby and gallery. The 7,000 square feet (650 m2) edifice includes a 500-seat sanctuary, lecture rooms, and a bridal suite. In 2009 the synagogue began offering a $10,500 wedding package for nuptials held on site, saving congregants an estimated 50 to 70 percent off the cost of local wedding halls. The package includes the facility and catering, but does not include the band or photographer. Celebrants are able to obtain some items, such as bridal dresses and table settings, from local gemachs.
The synagogue's large and active membership encompasses a broad spectrum of American Orthodox Jewry, including Hasidic, non-Hasidic, Modern Orthodox, centrist, and Haredi. The congregation is openly supportive of its host country and was one of the first synagogues in the United States to add a prayer for the US armed services to its Shabbat morning prayers following 9/11. Like other Orthodox congregations in the city, synagogue members engage in charitable activities for non-Jewish as well as Jewish causes.
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