Or haGan has been described as a progressive, conservative congregation. What does that mean?

Or haGan Jewish community attempts to preserve the holy middle ground of Jewish life in America. It honors the tradition of rabbinic Judaism, its laws, customs and philosophy, while creating a large tent under which many points of view can rest and pray. We hope to maintain compassionate understanding in the mode of Derekh Eretz (ethical behavior).

Supportive Jews and loving people from all backgrounds are welcome to join our community, which is one of truthful integrity and a community of faith in God and the future, despite the difficult times in which we live. We hope to provide a gentle place in which friendships are grown. We seek to find the Derekh haShem, the way of God, while using our hearts and minds to move Judaism into the next part of the 21st century.

Learning from all streams of Judaism, we find a home in the Conservative movement. Along with our brothers and sisters in all denominations, we seek to renew the basis of Jewish life in our time: the Shabbat, Kashrut, Holydays, Tefillah, and Jewish education, while preserving our religion and way of life that has sustained our lineage and ancestry for thousands of years. Our Rabbi follows traditional halakha (law), as mediated and modulated by the Committee on Law and Standards. He is also empowered by congregants and the Board of Directors to serve as the final arbiter of halakhic decisions in our community.