Shalom and Welcome!
Thank you for visiting our website and connecting with Congregation Or Zarua. Our synagogue is about participation, tradition, and connecting Judaism and modern life. We endeavor to experience our tradition and engage in intellectual and cultural pursuits. Together, we fulfill Jewish hopes of creating joy, gaining perspective and partnering with God to mend brokenness in the world.
Please click HERE to visit our YouTube channel where you can see some of my weekly Torah study videos and recordings of some of our recent talks and lectures, both by our congregants and outside scholars.
I invite you to come and meet with me personally so that we can get to know each other. Please be in touch with me directly at rabbibolton@orzarua.org. By way of introduction, allow me to share that I have had the privilege of learning at both the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies, where I was ordained; at the Davidson School of Education at the Jewish Theological Seminary where I was a post-rabbinic fellow in the educational Leadership Training Institute; and at The Hebrew University in Jerusalem. I am passionate about living Jewishly, cultivating a life of intellect, body and spirit in the framework of our tradition. I would love to hear what Judaism means to you and to be there when you need a rabbi, a teacher or a caring guide.
While at American University, before my rabbinical training, I studied Communications Theory and Criminal Justice. In addition to my experience as a rabbi, I worked in marketing, communications and government relations for the International Association of Fire Chiefs, and I owned and operated an art and design business. I welcome the opportunity to get to know your story. My wife, Rabbi Amy Bolton, and our four children are delighted to become part of the Or Zarua community along with you.
I hope you’ll notice the wealth of programming we offer here at Or Zarua. Whether you are an arts person, into tikkun olam and social action, love discussing Torah on Shabbat morning or like to be inspired by musical, traditional, egalitarian t’fillah, you’ll find a spot at our shul. As the new rabbi I am honored to offer classes, help guide people through the joys of life or times of sorrow, and to discover how living a Jewish life enhances our everyday experience of the world.
We seek to expand our community with your presence, and to increase serving the varied interests of our members. It’s easy to get involved. Please be in touch to let me know if you saw something you want to know more about, or to just meet. I hope to see you at services, at an OZ program or class!
Sincerely,
Rabbi Scott N. Bolton