About Us

Traditions for Today

People from a wide range of observance and backgrounds are drawn to the congregation’s Reconstructionist approach to Judaism, Jewish holidays, Jewish ritual, and life’s celebrations and sorrows. The Reconstructionist movement, founded by Mordecai Kaplan in the early 20th century, reexamines Judaism’s traditions, texts and rituals to meet the needs of contemporary life.

Mishkan Shalom was founded in 1988 with a Statement of Principles that expresses the synagogue’s commitment to integrating three areas of Jewish life: Torah (study),  Avodah (prayer) and G’milut Hasadim / Tikkun Olam (acts of caring and repair of the world). Our members engage in a wide range of spiritual life offerings. Our lifelong learning program is robust, with members and nonmembers alike participating in classes offered on varying days and times. With many members who are artists, artisans, musicians, writers and scholars, arts and music thrive at Mishkan.

• Check out our children's, youth and teen learning programs.

Sanctuary of Peace

The Hebrew phrase "mishkan shalom" means sanctuary of peace, reflecting a core commitment to social justice and to creating an atmosphere of mutual respect in which congregants may discuss different opinions about difficult issues while remaining a community. Tikkun olam is the hallmark of Mishkan Shalom’s history and identity. Ethical themes in Jewish observance, prayer and study inform congregants’ efforts to create meaning and healing in their own lives, and to work toward healing what is broken in the world.

About Our Building

Located in a renovated mill in Philadelphia's Roxborough-Manayunk neighborhood, Mishkan Shalom’s architecturally striking building and adjacent outdoor amphitheater and gardens reflect simplicity and environmental stewardship.

The sanctuary features a solar powered "ner tamid" (eternal light). The building has received an Environmental Protection Agency Energy Star award for energy efficiency.

• Our building is available to rent for meetings, workshops, weddings and more!

Financial Commitment

To meet the needs to all who wish to deepen their connection and commitment to Mishkan Shalom in the covenant of membership, we have a range of membership commitment levels. We adhere to the principle that those with greater means will give more, and those with less will contribute up to their ability. Our membership team, including our rabbi, are happy to support you in this Jewish values-based decision.

• Learn about our membership commitment levels.
• Read more about Jewish values-based approaches to money and community.