Congregation Ner Tamid is largest Reform synagogue

Located on the Greenspun Campus for Jewish Life, Learning and Spiritual Renewal at 55 N. Valle Verde Drive in Henderson, Congregation Ner Tamid began more than 30 years ago in the Las Vegas Valley. Since that time it has grown from 80 families to more than 700 families and is still on the rise, making it the largest Reform synagogue in Southern Nevada.

Led by Rabbi Sanford Akselrad, visiting Assistant Rabbi Ruth Adar and cantorial soloist Philip Goldstein, Congregation Ner Tamid maintains a sense of warm intimacy and is committed to being a spiritual, educational and social center for the entire Jewish community. In addition to its own programs and activities, it continually works with other local churches, synagogues and organizations on issues such as helping the homeless get back on their feet through Family Promise, as well as community speakers and special forums that both inspire and educate the community on issues here and in Israel.

Rabbi Akselrad, along with the Jewish Federation of Las Vegas, Jewish Family Services and the Board of Rabbis of Southern Nevada, has partnered to create Project Ezra. Its mission is simple: help people find jobs and offer financial help to those who need emergency assistance. This is made possible by a generous grant from the Jewish Federation of Las Vegas.

Congregation Ner Tamid offers its members many opportunities to get involved through Men's Club, Sisterhood, Social Action, Singles Group, Young Adult Group, 55+ Senior Social Group and more. It also hosts many self-help groups such as Alcoholic Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, JACS (Jewish Alcoholics, Chemically Dependant persons & Significant others), Gamblers Anonymous, Food Addicts Anonymous and Overeaters Anonymous.

Congregation Ner Tamid has worship opportunities for all ages and interests. Traditional services are Friday evenings at 7:30 p.m.

The first Friday of the month at 6:30 p.m. is Tot Shabbat for children ages 2-5 years old and their parents. Led by Lonnie Kritzler, director of early education, and Rabbi Akselrad, children and their families welcome Shabbat with songs and stories, followed by a craft and a snack.

On the second Friday of each month at 7:30 p.m, Congregation Ner Tamid offersa musical family service featuring its very own all-volunteer Shabbatone Band, led by cantorial soloist Philip Goldstein. This contemporary and uplifting Kabbalat Shabbat is a great way to celebrate Shabbat at any age.

Saturday mornings offer an adult education group, morning services and Torah study group.

The youth at Congregation Ner Tamid are an important and vital part to the success of any synagogue. Families can expect their children to learn strong Jewish values and create life-long friendships through their youth groups and religious school. It all begins at the Gary & Lynn Kantor Early Childhood Education Center, the preschool at Congregation Ner Tamid. Children ages 18 months to 5 years old are immersed into Judaism through songs, stories and Hebrew as well as secular studies such as art, letters and numbers, and making friends.

For information about programs or services, or about membership, contact Nancy Weinberger, executive director, at 733-6292, ext. 201.