In 2001, a small group of synagogue members, friends, and relatives identified a common desire to find a Conservative synagogue in the Northeast Valley that would strengthen their Jewish identity, while attracting multi-generational families and young adults with innovative programs encouraging broad participation.
This core group of 20 decided that the best solution was a synagogue whose foundations included multi-generational congregants; participatory, inclusive services; innovative programs celebrating Jewish customs, rituals, heritage, and beliefs; in a Northeast Scottsdale location.
Initially, monthly services were held in classrooms borrowed from a generous local Lutheran church, using materials developed by younger members with Jewish organizational experience. Informal surveys of the Jewish population indicated that a permanent location in Scottsdale, a pleasing rabbi, and modest cost would attract members. Committees were formed to develop a formal plan for a new Conservative congregation that would meet the needs of the growing Jewish population in the Northeast Valley. By 2002, membership grew to 40 families. Reflecting its new approach and enthusiasm for Jewish life in Phoenix, the congregation selected Or Chadash – New Light – as its name.
These milestones have marked the progress of this focused and determined group:
- An early fundraiser solidified the financial status of the fledgling organization.
- Well-planned and well-attended High Holiday services, led by knowledgeable clergy, demonstrated the goals of the new shul, increased awareness of the Congregation throughout the Valley, and resulted in an ever-increasing membership;
- Board of Directors and Officers elected on January 12, 2004;
- Permanent location acquired in a convenient area of Northeast Scottsdale;
- Shabbaton with a sister congregation from El Paso, Texas;
- Scholar-In-Residence program established on annual basis;
- We hired our first Rabbi, Robin Damsky, to lead us as we continue to grow from our present membership of 115 families.
- The congregation received a Sefer Torah as an anonymous gift.
- Founding and funding of the Roz Goodell Early Childhood Learning Center at Congregation Or Chadash.
- Launching of our religious school, growing one-grade each year.
Congregation Or Chadash is grateful to the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism for its support and encouragement, for the generosity of sister Conservative synagogues for providing prayer books and a Torah. But we are most grateful to our membership for its commitment to multigenerational participation. In real terms this means that until our recent move our Torah was housed in a fine oak cabinet, and our rabbi stood behind an oak lectern, made by the skilled hands of an 86-year-old member of our congregation. Our Sifrei Torah are clothed in beautiful covers, lovingly made and donated by multi-generations of our members.
The next chapter began with Rabbi Micah Caplan joining us as our spiritual leader on July 1, 2010, and by the subsequent move to a larger facility in September. We’ve experienced phenomenal growth — from 120 to 330+ families — and are focused on maintaining intergenerational participation as well as the warmth and caring that characterize our congregation.
Throughout our growth, our fellow congregants have become our friends, and our friends have become our family.
