Shalom! Welcome to Congregation Beth Shalom!
Whether you have been a member for quite some time or you are new to our congregation, welcome! 
Congregation Beth Shalom, founded in 1922, in Wilmington, Delaware, is an egalitarian, Conservative synagogue, affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. An overwhelming spirit of pride and enthusiasm exist at Beth Shalom, where we strive to meet the religious, educational, and social needs of our community. We consider ourselves a family, sharing in each other's joys and offering support in times of sorrow. We are honored that you have chosen to be a member of our congregation.
When are your services?
Congregation Beth Shalom offers daily morning minyan, Shabbat, and holiday services.
Our Morning Minyan meets regularly at 9:00am on Sundays and most national holidays and 7:30am Monday through Friday. On Wednesday and Friday mornings, so long as Torah is not being read, Beth Shalom and Adas Kodesch Shel Emeth come together to form a community minyan. On Wednesday morning, services are at Beth Shalom and on Friday mornings at Adas Kodesch.
Friday evening Shabbat Services are held at 6:30pm on the first, third, fourth, and last Friday of every month and 8:00pm on the second Friday. Saturday mornings services begin at 9:30am.
At Beth Shalom, all Jewish men and women, thirteen years of age or older, are counted toward a minyan. When we have achieved ten Jewish men or women in the room, Kaddish (a prayer for mourners and those observing yahrzeits) and other prayers in which we sanctify G-d's name may be recited.
We encourage you to check out our calendar for holidays and holy days services times.
Where is Beth Shalom located?
Beth Shalom is located in Wilmington, Delaware. We are just north of Wilmington Hospital, on the corner of 18th Street and Baynard Boulevard, across from Brandywine Park. There is both street parking and a parking lot. Additionally, should you require bus transportation to our synagogue DART Route 2 and DART Route 12 leave you a few paces from synagogue doors. For more more information on getting here, click here.
What are typical services like?
As with most Conservative synagogues in the United States, Beth Shalom's services are a blend of Hebrew prayers and English readings. Singing and chanting are often part of our services. At different points in the service, congregants and guests may be asked to rise, to rise and face east (notably toward Jerusalem and the Wailing Wall), or simply to stay seated. We stand when the Holy Ark is open and whenever the Torah is carried through the sanctuary. However, should you not be able to stand, please do not exert yourself. It is perfectly acceptable, in our congregation, to remain seated if standing would cause you unduly pain or hurt. We also bow at certain points in the service, which implies deference and respect.
What about children?
What about them? Children are an integral part of our synagogue experience. We encourage you to bring your children to our services, Hebrew School, and programming. Should your children cry, scream, or simply need that little extra space, we understand that you may need to leave the room and tend to their needs. During the High Holy Days, we make our chapel space available with a television and audio - so that you can continue to participate in our services while tending to your children's needs. Childcare is often available at evening events, educational programs, and special holidays.
Are interfaith couples welcome?
Yes, they are! We value you for who you are, and we respect the religious choices you have made in your household. While recognizing that the Jewish people have certain religious obligations, we do not wish to impose these on others. Our ritual policies reflect this philosophy, as we welcome the rich diversity you bring to our community. (Download this handy brochure which explains more of the details.)
Are you handicap accessible?
Yes we are. In 2008, when we reopened our building following a renovation and rebuild effort, we made sure that Beth Shalom would be accessible to all who entered it. Now, we have an elevator that takes you from the main floor to our ground floor leading to a multi-purpose room and our mechanical systems or to our upper floor toward our Hebrew School and library. Both our main sanctuary and our chapel spaces allow services to be conducted on the floor as well as on the bimah. We can easily rearrange seating so wheelchair users can sit with the congregation, not just in front or back, or in the aisles. This flexible seating provides legroom for those using crutches, walkers, braces, or casts. All bathrooms are fully handicapped accessible. If you need special assistance, please ask and we will be happy to help.
Can I dress informally at your synagogue?
Many people opt for casual dress attire (slacks and a shirt for men, modest dresses and skirts for women). Others prefer to wear suits or ties and jackets (especially on the High Holy Days), and our youth enjoy khakis and polo shirts. Any of these are perfectly acceptable, but please wear what you find comfortable and appropriate for the occasion and the season. You may wish to come more formal at first to see what everyone else is wearing and then judge for yourself accordingly.
I have more questions, who can I talk to?
At Beth Shalom we pride ourselves in a partnership between professionals and lay leaders. For most questions, including use of the synagogue, educational offerings, programming, or religious interpretation, you can always call the synagogue office, 302-654-4462 and our office personnel will direct your call to the appropriate person. Should the office not be the appropriate point-of-contact, the office will direct you to the lay leader who is most able to answer your question.