An aspect of Sha’arei Shalom that makes it unique also means it’s less visible to the community: the congregation holds its services in public buildings rather than in a permanent synagogue. “Because there is no physical location with a sign, many locals don’t even know we’re here,” explained Rabbi Eric Gurvis. “People are pleasantly surprised to find out about us at community events like the annual Hanukkah Lighting,” which many residents have enjoyed participating in with Sha’arei Shalom for years.

Friday evening Shabbat services are held in the Ashland Community Center, its excellent Hebrew School conducts lessons at the Ashland Middle School, and High Holidays are celebrated at the High School. The lack of a permanent facility is intentional: constructing and maintaining a synagogue adds a significant expense that can make membership unaffordable and exclusionary. This choice reflects the congregation’s values: member driven, welcoming, affordable, and supportive of a diverse constituency.

Founded nearly thirty years ago, the congregation has endured because of its special approach. Longtime member Jennifer Gordon said, “At this point, the public facilities are part of our congregation’s fabric and feel like home to the family that is Sha’arei Shalom.” Gurvis has been with the congregation for four years; previously, he served for over thirty years at more traditional congregations with synagogues. When he discovered the hidden gem that is Sha’arei Shalom, its values drew him to become the spiritual leader. Like many members, Gurvis is not an Ashland resident; congregants come from many MetroWest communities including Holliston, Hopkinton, Southborough, Framingham, Sherborn, and of course, Ashland. 

While Sha’arei Shalom, which translates to “Gates of Peace,” incorporates traditional Jewish values, it’s also flexible, such as intentionally adapting to the busy lives members lead. “Shabbat is typically held every other Friday rather than weekly, and in February, there’s just one service to accommodate the school vacation week schedule,” shared Carolyn Fertig, the congregation’s president. She added “We are also known for embracing people from any background, including interfaith families, individuals, and seniors.”

“It’s a fairly intimate congregation, with one benefit being that Rabbi Gurvis and the students really know each other,” adds Gordon. “Our size also means whenever there’s a need for people to help out with an event, everyone jumps right in.” Gurvis says that with fewer members, the congregation can more readily pivot, as was helpful during the COVID pandemic. Nonetheless, Sha’arei Shalom is still seeing some of the effects from that time. Members were not able to be as active in community events as had been typical and participation with the public is still being reestablished. For example, in February 2020, Gurvis led a well-attended community discussion about rising antisemitism at the town’s public library, but nothing similar could be done for the past few years. Excursions, like taking students to Boston’s Holocaust Memorial were curtailed, but are resuming. “We’re looking forward to returning to Ashland Day and more direct community engagement, like when our students led services for seniors in elderly housing,” said Gordon.

“Sha’arei Shalom is welcoming to new members,” says Gurvis. “For anyone looking to explore a different way of practicing, we invite you to attend a service and get a sense of us, visit the Hebrew School, and talk with some existing members. We are celebrating Purim on Sunday March 19 with a festive carnival at the Middle School, which is a great opportunity for anyone from the public to meet us.” Fertig adds, “Rabbi Gurvis and the congregation are very approachable. Even as the congregation has grown and will continue to, Sha’arei Shalom is committed to maintaining our values, most importantly providing a warm environment for all.”

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