Ohr Kodesh Congregation was established in 1948 as the first Jewish institution in Montgomery County. The synagogue provides both a morning and evening minyan every day as well as Shabbat and holiday services. Ohr Kodesh offers three schools — Early Childhood Center, which provides full day, half day and after-school enrichment programs for children ages 18 months to 4 years, the Alvin Browdy Religious School, which provides supplementary Jewish education for Kindergarten through 7th grade, and Shoresh, which offers an academically rigorous study of Jewish texts in both Hebrew and English. Ohr Kodesh also offers an array of adult Jewish education opportunities, including ongoing classes on Hebrew, Talmud and Jewish texts, annual Shabbat Scholars-in-Residence, periodic Family Retreats, and films and lectures.Ohr Kodesh has Jewish youth groups that serve children from preschool through high school, periodic social programs and participation in the local Men’s Softball League. They host the KolHaLev Choir, a weekly Israeli Dance group, and the Washington Bridge League. Their Chesed (caring) Committee reaches out to members during times of need, and the Funeral Practices Committee provides support and comfort to grieving families by facilitating the observance of traditional Jewish funeral and bereavement practices. Their Social Action Committee addresses social needs in the community, coordinating numerous volunteer efforts with other local agencies. The Green Committee seeks to advance environmental awareness and responsibility, and the Israel Solidarity Committee fosters and channels the congregation’s connection with Israel.
It is affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.
