7400 Falls of the Neuse Road
Raleigh, NC 27615
919-847-8986
Fax: 919-847-3142

Congregation Sha'arei Israel is located on Falls of the Neuse Road, across the street from Ravenscroft School between Newton Road and Strickland Road. If you are coming from outside the area, contact the shul if you need additional directions. Likewise, if you are coming from Durham, Research Triangle Park or if you need directions from the beltline, contact us.

Contacts
The shul office is open Monday through Friday at various times throughout the day. We welcome all visitors but can't guarrantee that there will be someone here to assist you. It is best to call and leave a message or send e-mail to one of the contacts on this webpage. If you require someone to get back to you quickly, it is BEST to call and leave a message.

You can also send e-mail to other members of the shul.

About the Rabbi
Rabbi Pinchas Herman was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. He attended the Rabbinical College of America in Morristown, NJ and the Rabbinical College of New England in New Haven, CT. During that time he served as a chaplain in prisons, hospitals and nursing homes as well as Jewish outreach work in Hebrew schools, synagogues, Jewish community centers and at Yale University.

Upon completing his Bachelor's degree in Religious Studies, Rabbi Herman received his ordination at Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim in Brooklyn. After his marriage, Rabbi Herman continued his Talmudic studies in an advanced Kollel program. In 1989, he became spiritual leader of Sha'arei Israel and director of Lubavitch activities in Eastern North Carolina. In addition to his classes for children, he teaches a variety of adult classes including Talmud and Jewish philosophy. In the spring of 1996, Rabbi Herman earned his Master's degree in Counseling at North Carolina State University. Rabbi Herman can be reached via e-mail at torahlife@aol.com Rabbi and Mrs. Herman are the proud parents of Leiba, Malka and Levi Herman.

About the Rebbetzin
Rebbetzin Helana Lovitch Herman was raised in Southern California where her family gradually became involved in a Torah-oriented, traditional lifestyle. She attended the Hebrew Academy in Westminster, CA where, in addition to her studies, she directed a number of successful Jewish outreach programs.

Helana earned her Hebrew Teaching degree from the Beth Rivkah Teacher's Seminary in Brooklyn. Since 1985, she has worked as a teacher's assistant and later as a lead teacher for both pre-school and elementary school. Her warmth and experience combine to make her an effective teacher and motivator. In addition, Helana teaches weekly and monthly adult classes for women. Topics include classic Bible study with commentary, Shabbat and Holiday observance, prayer appreciation and the unique role of the Jewish woman. Rabbi and Mrs. Herman have many children.

Times of Services
Service times: Call or send email to get current schedules.

Membership Information
Currently, family dues are $840, singles and seniors dues are $420. This does not include Talmud Torah fees. If there are any financial hardships, the dues can be adjusted. The most important thing is that you feel welcome to participate, regardless of your financial situation. We do not have a "pay to pray" policy and therefore there is no charge for High Holiday tickets; however, donations are certainly welcome. The Rabbi is available to discuss any questions you may have regarding the shul and the type of service conducted. Rabbi Herman also has Shabbat afternoon learning while the Rebitzin also holds Tuesday evening classes. Both the Rabbi and the Rebitzin are available at the phone number above for the shul..

Adult Education
Because of the diverse nature of the membership, adult classes cover a broad spectrum of Jewish thought ranging from beginner level "Basic Judaism" to advanced Talmud and philosophy. There is always an attempt to receive input from the members on which classes to provide. Many of the classes offered require little or no previous knowledge.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah Classes
Sha'arei Israel's Bar/Bat Mitzvah program presents basic Jewish thought and practice, preparing each student for the responsibilities of a Jewish adult. The course, taught by the Rabbi consists of both group instruction and private tutorial. Boys are expected to read from the Torah, and ahve the opton of leading services. Girls may present a Dvar Torah.

Talmud Torah Classes
Talmud Torah classes are available, contact the Synagogue.

Taharat Hamishpachah
Congregation Sha'arei Israel houses a Mikvah which is used by women throughout Eastern and Central North Carolina for purposes of taharat hamishpachah (family purity laws.). The newly-remodeled Mikvah provides a very pleasant environment for women who wish to fulfill this beautiful and vital Mitzvah. There is a lot of Mikvah Information, available regarding this mitzvah. If anyone has any questions, needs information or would like to discuss the matter, either send e-mail or call the shul simply asking someone to call you regarding the mikvah.

Special Projects
In the tradition of "down-home Southern hospitality", the synagogue members arrange accommodations and Shabbat meals for visitors in the area.

Because of its affiliation with the Lubavitch movement, the synagogue has a vast international network that allows it to conduct exciting and innovative Jewish programming for all ages. Whether it is a speaker, a Jewish Art Show, a Shofar Factory using real ram's horns, or Camp Gan Israel -- a four-week summer camp, the purpose of these programs is to instill a love and pride for Judaism through educational and recreational activities.