Download responses - Darchei Noam

What do you get at DN that you feel you cannot get at any other synagogue in the Twin Cities (Board)
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A serious committed and undogmatic approach to halachic Judaism
An open and inclusive community; one committed to halacha and traditional ritual yet open to intellectual
engagement within Judaism and embracing modernity. Sense of community, showing the greater Jewish
community what modern orthodox is all about
It’s like one large family
Intimate community; religious Zionism; intellectual community; simplicity in davening and organizational
structure—things get done
True orthodoxy in a modern congregation
A kehilla engaged with halacha and the diverse entities of the Jewish community combined with a concern
fo4r the community at large
Commitment to modern orthodoxy
Small and warm
The small size is so important
An intimate sense of community that also has good learning going on
Lack of politics
Feel connected to other members and out community. The small community, the beautiful singing and
different people leading, so its not always the same songs. The warmth and the help when someone is sick
or a death
Modern orthodoxy! Participation and friendship with like-minded people
Modern orthodox
A congregation of Jews that are serious about their faith and religion yet modern and open enough to
engage in secular society. I enjoy the open-mindedness of the congregants and an constantly impressed
with the balance many are able to strike between being religious and modern at the same time
A great caring community
Modern orthodoxy and people who either epitomize or desire it
Small, family-like atmosphere
Tradition without abdication of reason
I feel very close to whomever is davening. We hear very interesting divrei torah, we have had some very
good study sessions, I am pretty much proud of everything that goes on at DN. I have had opportunities to
do things I might not have done otherwise
Modern orthodoxy with support for Israeli
Orthodoxy with an openness to society in general. We are not as separated from the larger community as
most other orthodox synagogues I’ve been to
Modern open pluralistic Zionistic orthodox
A sense that everyone’s participation is valued and important combined with a commitment to true
modern orthodoxy—living lives of torah observance and study while fully engaging in the best of the
secular world
Sense of close=knit community, a community where both Jewish and secular education are valued. Where
members receive support to live a professionally successful .life with a commitment to observing halacha.
It is also a community where members truly care about each other
A warm committed caring community. I love the tight knittedness of the shul necessitated by our small
quarters, and hope we can carry this over to larger spaces
I feel comfortable with the people at DN. They are committed to having good educations both in secular
and Jewsih studies, they are involved in the outside world and also have a love for Judaism and Zionism
The religious center matches my own inclinations
Divrei torah by educated and knowledgeable lay people
An orthodox shul that is welcoming to all, despite personal practices…a shul that cares about each other
and others in the larger Jewish community
Modern orthodox congregation—warm, welcoming environment
A more balanced view of the roles of Judaism in the secular world
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Traditional practice with open religious inquiry
Warmth, intimacy/ easy friendship/hospitality
Comfort of my type of observance
A sense of inclusion in the services and community; DN takes the extra step to listen to each congregant,
understand their strengths and take into account their opinion
Ruach in davening
Intellectual conversation and learning
Feeling of being part of a community, sons tent with my religious philosophy, desire to learn, diverei torah
delivered by male and female members
The feeling of inclusion of everyone; I sense that DN welcomes anyone and is the least likely to be
judgemental of any of the shuls
The ability to participate in the services on all levels (davening, layning, giving dvrei torah). Those are
things one cannot do/won’t be asked to do in any of the other orthodox shuls
A true connection, an intimate environment wonderful ruach and sense of community
Modern orthodoxy, deep commitment to Torah Judaism, while embracing the beauty of the secular world
Inclusion of women in a traditional setting. Religious Zionism
Shared values
Observant members with liberal attitudes with respect to both Jewish practice and more broad societal
issues