Congregation Celebrates New Rabbi

Moses Montefiore Anshe Emunah Congregation is experiencing new life these days since Rabbi Yerachmiel Shapiro arrived.

Membership has increased 33 percent, to 515 individuals since he began leading the congregation in June 2010.

He has attracted more young families with children, as well as empty nesters, said Alan Fink, co-chairman of the congregation's membership committee.

"We've had big success. How can we not have such success with our charming, young rabbi?" Fink said during Shapiro's installation banquet held Sunday at the congregation.

Shapiro is 30 years old.

According to Shapiro's plan, the congregation is becoming "a shul for every generation," Shapiro said in a news release. It includes programming "that's very cool, very youthful and very imaginative."

Shapiro recently devoted two spaces to youth: a playroom featuring foosball, ping-pong and billiards, as well as a babysitting area, according to the release.

He created a Tikun Olam (repair the world) youth camp, which is coordinated by Ilana Grossman.

He has introduced the following programs: Chanukah latke and Purim parties, Doctor's Day Shabbat, chocolate and community Pesach sederas, Lab B'Omer bonfire, Shavout community dinner, and a Mexican Shabbat dinner.

His religious services feature singing, and his prayer services are "more egalitarian," including a female leader of the Prayer for Government on the bimah, banquet co-chairwoman Rochelle Bohrer said in the release.

Shapiro also:

• Serves on the Baltimore Board of Rabbis
• Serves on Vaad Harabanim of Baltimore

He is married to , and they have two children Lila and Avraham Ben-Tzion. The Shapiros reside in Mt. Washington.

Speakers at the banquet included Rabbi Avi Weiss, Shapiro's wife, and Dr. Arell Shapiro who is Shapiro's mother.

The congregation is a Modern Orthodox synagogue that was first chartered in 1887.

It has merged over the years with Liberty Jewish Center, Aitz Chaim Congregation and Moses Montefiore Woodmoor Congregation.

For more information, call 410-653-SHUL, or visit the congregation website.