We found a welcoming and growing community, young and old alike, not set in its way and always open to suggestions and comments.
Hi!
We are a young family from Jerusalem who relocated to Durham for a little while.
Jerusalem the Holy City has a plethora of synagogues, communities, kosher food and Jewish schools and with a move to a small town in NC, we were worried about Jewish life down South.
We had done our research and had found both a small Jewish school as well as an orthodox synagogue, offering services on Shabbatot and Holidays, all in central Durham.
Little did we know how welcome we would all be made to feel when we got here. From day one, we felt the warmth we had felt back in Jerusalem, as a few Israeli families, who had relocated as well, offered to cater meals for us and get groceries while we were getting settled in.
As mentioned before, having a synagogue with basic services was critical to us. Well, the truth is we could not have dreamt of finding so much more than “just” a synagogue. We found a welcoming and growing community, young and old alike, not set in its way and always open to suggestions and comments. Philippe, Jesse and others try to meet each and everyone’s needs as best as possible and that makes the delectable cholent at the Shabbos community kiddush taste so much better!
As far as the area goes, it is just an incredibly calm, family-oriented area with a relaxed atmosphere, inhabited by a courteous and respectful medical/academic/technology-oriented population.
With plenty of kosher food options nearby for those who search for them (aside from a kosher restaurant unfortunately), sports facilities and online deliveries just a click away, this small town is in no way inferior to the often more pricey lifestyle found in a larger metropolis.
I am extremely proud and happy to be part of the OK community, while having taken an active part in its development, whether as service participant or prayer leader. Praying here with like-minded people who enjoy both growth and connection has elevated my family and myself to new spiritual levels.
In summary, don’t let its name fool you. This community is much more than just “OK”.
Thank you!