SHALOM

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Congregation Agudath Achim was founded at the turn of the 20th century as an Orthodox synagogue.   We have grown and flourished in three buildings during the decades.The first was in the Downtown area, the second was on Line Avenue, and now we are located in the southeast corner of Shreveport. The transition to Conservative Judaism was gradual after World War II, and for many years we were affiliated with United Synagogue of America.

For the last few decades we have been fully egalitarian, and our religious services have been quite traditional.  During Friday evenings and on the High Holy Days there are many English responsive readings, usually led by congregants.  On Shabbat mornings and on Festivals our worship is mostly in Hebrew, with a careful mixture of traditional chants and congregational melodies.  On Shabbat we chant the Triennial Cycle of Torah readings, and our B'nei Mitzvah students usually chant a large portion of our service on their special day.

Over the decades, this synagogue has implemented a huge number of innovative programs, from social activities to youth and children's programs to educational programs for adults and students of all ages.  Recent innovations include a volunteer choir for the High Holy Days, an English Purim play, the Jewish community youth theater productions with our students as cast members, a one-week Jewish Arts Day Camp in the summer, a biweekly program of Adult Education, Adult B'nai Mitzvah training, and online education for those choosing to become members of the Jewish People.

• Our younger children know that their special role during services is to open and close our Ark, and onShabbat morning to join the Torah procession carrying the plush toy Torahs that nestle in our Ark among our large Torah scrolls.  We are a friendly, welcoming synagogue, and we hope that you will join us for our Shabbat morning services at 10:00 a.m. and Friday evening services at 8:00 p.m. (once each month at 8:00 p.m. for Family services).