Welcome and Shalom!

United Hebrew is a Reform congregation with a traditional mind-set and a progressive heart.
 
The tradition began on Erev Rosh Hashanah 1837 when our forebears formed the first Jewish congregation west of the Mississippi.  It continues every Shabbat and every holiday as the congregation actively joins in the service.

While maintaining its traditions, our congregation has never stopped growing.  Many years ago we became St. Louis’ first Reform congregation with its own Cantor.  Today we read from the world’s first Torah scroll written by a woman scribe.   Eight times a year our nationally renowned Artist-in-Residence, Rick Recht, leads Shabbat Alive!, a rousing service of song and prayer.  Once a month, on “Synaplex Shabbat,” our building is filled with educational and entertaining activities, along with religious services.  And, in true 21st Century fashion, our Cantor teaches students and adult congregants to chant the Torah on an innovative website, as well as in our “bricks and mortar” facility.

As a Reform congregation affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism (www.urj.org), we strive to attain the high ideals of the movement.  We make informed, meaningful choices from the Jewish tradition to guide our observance, take an open-minded approach to Jewish religious belief and practice, and provide a home where members can cultivate, explore, and expand their spirituality.  

Our beautiful West County home offers a full slate of educational, social and community-service activities, under the guidance of our clergy: Rabbi Howard Kaplansky, now in his third decade as our spiritual leader, Rabbi Brigitte Rosenberg and Cantor Ronald Eichaker.  Come see how your family can benefit from our family … and vice versa.