About OZ

A Warm and Welcoming Jewish Community

Ohavi Zedek means "Lovers of Justice." Vermont's oldest and largest Jewish congregation, OZ was founded in 1885 by eighteen Jewish immigrants from Lithuania. Today we are a community of about 360 families. Our vibrant, egalitarian and inclusive congregation is committed to embracing tradition while actively participating in our changing Jewish world. We are a part of Judaism's conservative movement, but our membership consists of individuals and families from every facet of the Jewish religious world. And we embrace this diversity as our greatest strength.

Hebrew School & Adult Ed

From the children's voices emanating from our Hebrew School, to a Bar or Bat Mitzvah practicing his or her Haftarah, to the shared insights of adults studying Torah with our rabbis, Ohavi Zedek is filled with the sounds of its children and members immersed in the educational programs we offer. Our children have the opportunity to participate in Hebrew School (grades K through 7), Hebrew Chai School (grades 8 through 12) and Young Judaea (grades 3 through 12), all excellent and enriching programs where they can explore who they are as Jews as well as learn Hebrew, and explore Jewish traditions, holidays and culture. And learning isn't just for kids, we have an exciting and engaging Adult Education program every Fall and Spring.

Events

OZ Playgroup Cancelled Today

1/27/12 - Out of an abundance of caution, due to the currently slippery driving conditions and the potential for additional bands freezing rain and road icing through this morning, we have decided to cancel the OZ playgroup today. Hope to see all of you next week! Stay safe if you have to travel this morning.

More Events

Membership

We invite you to learn more about our community by coming to synagogue events and services. Our Friday evening service, which begins at 6:00pm and usually lasts less than an hour, is a joyous and musical welcoming of Shabbat. It is casual and child-friendly. Following the service, there is a vegetarian pot-luck Shabbat dinner at the Wall House where Rabbi Jan and her rebbitzmon, Loredo, reside. Hope you can join us this Friday night, and EVERY Friday night! Kabbalat Shabbat at OZ is a great way to be introduced to our community. Or check out our events page for another exciting activity to become involved.