Welcome

Welcome to Congregation Shaarey Tefilla
a Conservative Synagogue in association with the USCJ.  


Congregation Shaarey Tefilla (CST), a United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism affiliate, combines full egalitarianism with a commitment to traditional Judaism.  CST values warmth and intimacy oversize. Our rabbi strives to maintain a relationship with every congregant. CST dates its history back to 1870 and the formation of Sharah Tefilo on the Indianapolis South Side. Later other congregations were organized and ultimately in 1992, all were merged into CST and established Shaarey Tefilla, with a young vibrant spirit establishing the programs and services that are an important part of the life of our congregants.
For a Meaningful Judaism CST is a warm, welcoming, and family-oriented organization.  CST is proud to offer religious education for adults, teen engagement, and a youth religious school in the Hebrew language.  To make an appointment to speak or meet email Brenda Freedman, Education Director, or call (317) 733-2169.  We are always eager to meet with families to explain our programs and answer your questions.  
Our congregation is having services in person and via zoom.  CST recommends wearing face masks.  If you are interested in attending our services in person or virtually click here.  Services questions contact Religious Affairs Committee Chairs or call (317) 733-2169. 
Our Minchah/Maariv service is held on Monday and Wednesday evenings at 6:30 pm.  Our regular minyanaires are always delighted to welcome people to our minyanim. 
For most people, our Friday night Kabbalat Shabbat service is the best way to experience Shaarey Tefilla for the first time.  Friday night services combine lots of congregational singing and English readings.  Rabbi Sendrow gives a sermon on most Friday nights.  The title is usually available in advance through Twitter and Facebook. We begin at 6:30 pm.  The service is approximately 90 minutes long.
Our Shabbat morning service includes Torah reading, and Rabbi Sendrow usually presents a D’var Torah (literally “a word of Torah;” a little talk on the Torah reading of the week.)  This is a service at which experienced shul-goers will feel at home.  We begin our services at 9:00 am and generally end before noon. 

Our religious community offers the following opportunities:
  • Building and Grounds Committee. This committee is active in caring for our beautiful building in Carmel.  New volunteers are always welcome.
  • Chesed Committee. Our special, caring committee supports the ill in our congregation and their families. Our committee visits hospitals and nursing homes as well as make home visits.
  • Family Services. Our religious school students lead us in the English and Hebrew prayers of the Friday evening service. Many of our young students have their “debut” in congregational leadership at six years of age.
  • Fundraising Committee. Our congregation relies on this committee to augment our income derived from membership dues and donations.
  • Membership and Marketing Committee. We warmly embrace those looking for a sense of community and fellowship. We welcome individuals to participate in our services and programs even if they have not yet committed to membership.
  • Men’s Club. Our amazing Men’s Club enjoys having congregation events, and assists in preparations of the holidays and events (ex. putting together and taking down the Sukkah).
  • Religious Affairs Committee. This committee determines the religious policies of Shaarey Tefilla through discussion with the rabbi and study of Conservative movement materials.
  • Religious Education Committee. This committee assists with Religious School, Teen Education, and Adult Education.
  • Safety & Security. This committee is focused on providing a safe and secure environment for our congregation
  • Sisterhood. Our dynamic Sisterhood is the “strong-arm” of our congregation through its fundraising and programming.
  • Technology. This committee focuses on the technology needs of Shaarey Tefilla.
  • Tot Shabbat/Sweet Shabbat. A once-a-month, half-hour celebration of Shabbat with song, story, dance and prayer for the very young and their families. Join us as we march with our stuffed Torahs!

Our Executive Director, Jennifer “Jeni” Linsley, and our Rabbi Benjamin Sendrow love to chat with people interested in Shaarey Tefilla.  Call (317) 733-2169 or email Harvey Mover, Membership & Marketing Chair to schedule an appointment to meet them, and to tour our facility.