Newtown Synagogue Rebranding ShAAK As The Center For Adult Life

NEWTOWN, PA — Shir Ami is rebranding ShAAK (Shir Ami Active Adult Kahillah) as the Center for Adult Life effective in November.

The center will be more than just a program, said synagogue leaders. It will be designed for all retired and semi-retired Jewish adults, whether affiliated with a Bucks County synagogue, or not, and will be bringing them together to learn and celebrate Jewish life.

According to the synagogue, the mission of the new center will be to offer meaningful and high-quality programming that both brings people together across congregations and highlights the richness of synagogue and community life. The inaugural season will take place at Shir Ami with the hope that other synagogues in Bucks County consider hosting events in the future.

Shir Ami will serve as the administrative and planning headquarters for the center, which will be overseen by Brent Osborne, executive director of Shir Ami; Natalie Standig, director of membership and adult life; and a team of volunteers.

Another ShAAK event involved members creating custom candles at the Wax Scent Studio in New Hope. The room was lit with creativity, laughter and camaraderie

“The Center for Adult Life represents the best of what a synagogue and community can be,” said Osborne. “It is not about membership or walls, but about creating meaningful opportunities for adults to connect, learn, and celebrate Jewish life together.”

Marc Luber, the president of Shir Ami adds, “This initiative reflects Shir Ami’s commitment not only to its own members, but to the wider Jewish community. Together, we can ensure that adults in every stage of life have meaningful ways to engage, connect, and find belonging.”

The initiative is made possible by funding from Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia with support from Greta Wrigley, Community Engagement Manager, Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia.

More details on fall programming will be announced in the coming weeks with a kickoff event taking place in November. To learn more about the Center for Adult Life, contact Natalie Standig at nstandig@shiramipa.org.