Temple Shalom

Congregation History

Temple Shalom is a small active community and consider each member part of the family.  Temple Shalom was founded in 2005 by Lily Ann and Ze’ev Revitch. Lily Ann led the service; Ze’ev read the Hebrew. Services were held in their home. As the congregation grew, a larger space was needed. The path to a permanent home was winding from a hotel to an assisted living facility, to a middle school, to an Episcopal church, to a senior center, to a rented building and finally settled in the current home. Ten years after the initial service, the Revitch family granted Temple Shalom a $250,000 interest free loan, and the building was purchased.

Services were conducted by lay readers and visiting Rabbis from the surrounding area. Rabbi David Weissman, of blessed memory, joined the congregation in 2008 as a part time Rabbi. He was there for 11 years, retired for two years, came back for another two years and worked until his 90th birthday. Rabbi Aaron Sherman of Charleston was welcomed in July 2025 as the part time rabbi. A few months before his passing, Rabbi David chanted the traditional holiday melodies via Zoom while Rabbi Aaron led the in person High Holy Day services.
Temple Shalom serves the Grand Strand from Calabash, NC to Pawley’s Island, SC. The members are “transplants” who are looking for a Jewish connection.  Although only in existence for a very short time, many traditions have been started and maintained while consistently adding new ones.

Temple Shalom has weekly Shabbat evening services followed by an Oneg and Shabbat morning services, twice a month. The holidays are celebrated with services, celebrations and food (we love to gather and eat together).  Rabbi led services alternate with lay services conducted by skilled and knowledgeable congregants. During COVID, services via Zoom were streamed regularly on Friday night as well as holiday lay services.  Zoom services are still provided for those members who cannot attend in person.

The synagogue is affiliated d with URJ, a Kulanu congregation, members of the JCLP President’s Forum, and attend SCN and ADL seminars.

Temple Shalom’s mission is to maintain a safe, welcoming community where the values and practices of Reform Judaism enrich and uplifts the lives of its congregants and community. The synagogue is a place where prayer, learning, celebrations and deeds help to support and transform members’ understanding of themselves, channel the power of community and develop our responsibilities to the world at large. The worship and activities connect the past to the present and future through a strong commitment to the Jewish community and its historical legacy. The congregation is a family who cares for, cares about, and provides support for all members. Members are accountable to each other in the belief that each person is valued and has unique contributions to make to this religious and social community.

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