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Congregation Ner Shalom
Woodbridge, Virginia

by Sharon Spellman

My second encounter was to the Congregation Ner Shalom in Woodbridge, Virginia. They were hosting a special Hanukkah service at 7:30pm. The building was very small and very personable. As I walked into the vestibule there was a table set up with a blue cloth and a single candle. This table was set up with latkes and many other Jewish specialties. People were mingling in the vestibule as the service was called to order. 

As I entered the double doors I noticed the front of the congregation was colored with red cloth and various symbols. The Star of David was at the top and center. On the alter there were also two sets of Menorahs. One held seven candles and one held nine candles. As I continued to look around I noticed the men, boys and one woman were wearing Yarmulkes. The service started by Rabbi Blackmore playing a song on the guitar. 

Rabbi Blackmore asked everyone to turn to page 642 in "The New Union Prayer Book - Gates of Prayer - Weekdays, Sabbaths and Festivals. I was confused as they read their books from right to left. That took some time to get used to. He then blessed the candles and stated, "This day brings joy - our ancestors have struggled for our freedom". The Rabbi continued to read prayers and then sing songs. This went on for about thirty minutes. After that he turned to the Shabbat. He stated "Bless us with peace, joy and light. We believe that there are angelic beings ushering the day. We must respect all living things". One of their prayers was written as follows…

Sha-lom a-lei-chem mal-a-chei ha-sha-reit mal-a-chei el-yon….

Rabbi Blackmore continued the service and he began to tell the children sitting up front the story of Moses and the parting of the sea. The Pharaohs were chasing the Jews. As God parted the sea for Moses and the Jews to walk across, Moses sister Miriam could not believe what she was witnessing. Just as the Pharaohs began to walk across God let the waters go. The kids all laughed. 

As the service came to a close he explained to the children that the night would go on with food and games. That excited them even more. One classroom held Dradle games and one classroom held a game similar to Bingo. At this time I began to look around for someone to speak to about what I have just witnessed. At that time I caught the eye of the Rabbi. As I approached him to introduce myself he seemed to be a little distracted. Without introducing himself he said to me "So, are you here to check us out?". I answered, "Yes and asked if he minded speaking with me and to allow me to ask some questions?". So, I prepared my list of the things I was hoping to get answers on: 

What does Ner Shalom mean? 
Light of Peace

What does the Yarmulke symbolize? 
Respect for God, it's a custom not a belief

Do woman wear them too? 
Yes, normally theirs will entail some lace instead of all one type of fabric

You have two Menorahs, what do they symbolize? 
Seven is for the Shabbat and nine is for Hanukkah, this is the celebration 
of the rebuilding of the temple, the festival continues for eight days

What is the meaning of the Star of David? 
Nothing, David sometimes wore this on his shield, identifies the Jewish

Do you believe in Jesus?
No

Do you believe in God? 
Yes

Do you believe in the afterlife?
Yes

Do you believe that your flesh will join with the ground and your soul will go on? 
Yes

Do you believe that its possible for your soul to take on another form in the afterlife? 
Yes, what form, don't know, not sure about reincarnation either

Do you baptize? 
No, we circumcise, it's a custom again, not a belief, it is done on babies that are eight days old, the parents are basically initiating their children into the Jewish faith

What book do you use: the Bible, Torah or a Prayer Book?
The Old Testament is our belief, our Bible, however, we mostly use the Torah (which is Genesis through Deuteronomy written on a scroll)

At this time the Rabbi seemed to be distracted and I sensed his need to terminate our conversation. So, I thanked him and indicated that I had some great information to report. And at that time my encounter was over. As I walked to my car I felt this visit was very enlightening. It was very different than what I expected. There are many things I do not understand and I am sure I never will understand. However, this is an experience I will never forget. 

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