Shalom and Welcome to Or Hadash!
We are a warm, friendly, egalitarian Reform congregation that is dedicated to the Jewish community in Newmarket and the Northern York Region. In our small, family-like atmosphere, everyone is welcome!
Both men and women equally participate in our services. We embrace Jewish individuals and families with or without children from any variety of backgrounds and family compositions. Regardless of age, marital status or sexual orientation, at Or Hadash you are welcome! We welcome Jews of any denomination or no denomination. No matter what level of Jewish knowledge or observance, at Or Hadash you are welcome! Intermarried families are warmly received and participate fully in our congregational life. We also welcome in our services and events individuals of other faith communities who have an interest in Judaism.
At the core of Or Hadash is a deep commitment to participatory Judaism. We offer a wide range of social, educational and religious programs and activities for anyone who is looking for community, personal spiritual growth, and opportunities for Tikkun Olam. We study together, celebrate together and support each other through both joyful and challenging life cycle events. In our warm environment you will be able to establish a new spiritual home where you can build meaningful friendships and find a place to congregate without any pretentiousness.
We are looking forward to meeting you!
Upcoming Events
Featured Topics
What do you do?
A few summers ago, I had the pleasure of attending a wedding in which the only people I knew were the family of the bride. At the meal, I found myself sitting at a table of people I had never met. In an attempt to be friendly to the man seated next to me, I […]
Learning is a Lifelong Endeavor and its Mission is Never Complete
Parents have let out a collective sigh of relief. The new academic year has started and, thank God, the kids are back in school. It is amazing that, at the end of the school year, parents are so grateful to have a reprieve from supervising homework, making lunches and driving carpools. By the end of […]
This is going to be the best year ever.
Maybe it’s a coincidence, but I hope it is much more than that. I sat down to write my weekly “From the Rabbis Desk,” but procrastinated for a moment to see what Rabbi Broide wrote about in his outreach column. Low and behold the same thing is on both of our minds and likely on […]
BRS is not just a Shul, it is a community
As we often say, BRS is not just a Shul, it is a community. Our goal is to cultivate a culture in which people don’t feel I am a member of BRS, but rather, I am a member of the BRS community. What is the difference between being a Shul and being a community? […]
Our Mission
This Synagogue is to support and enrich the Reform Jewish community by cultivating a love and understanding of the Jewish heritage, stimulating fellowship in the Jewish community and strengthening the bonds of loyalty with the Jewish people everywhere.
In all endeavors, members shall strive to treat each other with dignity and respect, and to conduct the affairs of the Synagogue in an open and transparent manner.
In order to advance the cause for liberal Judaism in Canada and throughout the world, this Congregation shall maintain its affiliation with the Union of Reform Judaism and the World Union for Progressive Judaism.