Our Family

The Hebrew word for synagogue or congregation, Beit Knesset, means "house of gathering". Shaare Tikvah in English means "Gates of Hope". This is a gathering at the gates of hope where Southern Maryland Conservative Jews can experience a true Jewish community.
Participate with us. Our hospitality provides the newcomer to the area the opportunity of achieving a sense of belonging to an extended Jewish family and of sharing the spiritual, cultural and social programs we offer.

Everyone interested in the Conservative Jewish experience and all active-duty Jewish military families are welcome.

For over 35 years, Congregation Shaare Tikvah has contributed to the religious and cultural fulfillment of the Jewish military and civilian communities of Southern Maryland. Join us and help us continue for another quarter of a century.

We Offer Our Members:

An Ordained Conservative Rabbi

Children's Services

An Accredited USCJ Religious School

Adult Education Classes

Bar/Bat Mitzvah Tutoring

Senior Citizens Programs

Over 50 Club

Men's Club

Sisterhood

United Synagogue Youth

Scholar-In-Residence Program

Officers

President Andy Sheldon
1st Vice President Ed Rosenzweig
2nd Vice President Carol Halikman
Treasurer Abe Hamburg
Financial Secretary Amy Sheldon
Administrative Secretary Pat Romerstein
Directors at Large Ronni Arden, Levi Goldfarb , Alice Hirschfeld , Howard Levin, Keith Meyers

Committee Chairs

Adult Education Jon Arden
Bulletin Keith Meyers
Calendar Amy Sheldon
Community Relations Shirley Rosenzweig
Education Carol Halikman
Finance Ed Rosenzweig
Fundraising Ed Halikman
Funeral Practices Larry Garfinkel
House Ed Halikman
Legal Jeff Fisher
Membership Linda Lefker
Memorial Plaques Ed Halikman
Men's Club Ed Halikman
Program/Calendar Amy Sheldon
Publicity Dave Kremnitzer
Religious Affairs Dan Lieman
Sisterhood Carol Halikman
USY David Sheldon
USY Advisor Sara Levin
Yahrzeits Alice Hirschfeld
Youth Sharon Most

Congregation President - Andy Sheldon

Photo Of Andy Sheldon

Click Here To Send An E-Mail To The Congregation President

In May 1981, Amy and I first walked into Shaare Tikvah. My father had died a week earlier and I came to say kaddish. At that time, I knew nothing about my own religion. In fact, I didn't even know what kaddish was until a friend of my father asked me at the shivah if I was saying kaddish. But thanks to all the great people at Shaare Tikvah, including our rabbi at that time, Ralph Dalin, I learned how great it is to be Jewish. Ralph Dalin showed me all that Torah can teach me about life. Through the Men's Club's Hebrew Literacy Program, I first learned the liturgy (and the congregants were so supportive as I stumbled through my first attempts at leading services). And Rabbi Dalin taught Amy and I how to chant a haftorah. Of course, Amy has since become an expert at haftorah and Torah trop (as well as many other trops). Also during those 20 years, we raised two children and they got terrific Jewish educations through Shaare Tikvah's Religious School. Add to that all the fun and/or educational programs we attended over the years such as the Shabbat Shira parties, Scholar-in-Residence weekends and the Summer Bowling League.
When people comment that Amy and I do so much for the synagogue, I respond that it's just a small payback for all the Shaare Tikvah has done for us. And I know that our experiences and feelings are far from unique. If you've been around Shaare Tikvah for a while, you know what I'm talking about. If you're new to our synagogue, I'll tell you there are great times awaiting you here. You only need to try us out.

Shalom,
Andy