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Our Purpose and Mission

Traditional Congregation, affiliated with the UTJ (Union for Traditional Judaism), exemplifies its motto:  “Genuine faith with intellectual integrity.”  We are founded on a commitment to God, Torah, and the Jewish people.  Halachah is central; we continually learn Torah obligations and restrictions, and explore legitimate halachic opportunities as befits traditional Jews living in modern 21^st century suburban America.  In this spirit, we take pride that we are open to all regardless of their level of observance and that we are known as a genuinely warm and friendly, active congregation.    

Traditional Congregation provides options for both mechitzah and mixed seating.  Shabbat and holyday services are celebrated in our warm and intimate 250+ seating sanctuary, where many of our men and boys read Torah and lead services.  We abide by halachic restrictions regarding women leading services and reading Torah and we are proud to provide legitimate halachic opportunities for women, such as reading megillot.  We assemble for daily minyan at shacharit (morning) and minchah-arvit (afternoon-evening) in our beit midrash-chapel.   

Education is prized at Traditional Congregation.  Several classes are taught during the week, mornings and evenings.  Rabbi Gordon also teaches extensively in the community.  Special educational events adorn the calendar including an annual Scholar-In-Residence Shabbat, Shabbat “tishes” on special topics, Sunday morning “Knosh n’ Knowledge” breakfasts, and more.  We are actively pro-Zionist and host an annual successful Israel Bonds Dinner. 

Our congregation is active in the community beyond our numbers.  Many in our congregation are involved in vital chesed projects – from distributing tsedakah to collecting for those in shelters, disadvantaged school children in the area, Mother’s Day gift baskets, the Jewish Food Pantry, and much more.  As a “green” synagogue, we promote our responsibility for our environment.   

Located on six acres in West County, our facilities include a school wing, library, daily chapel, main sanctuary, social hall, playground, a Shabbat house for guests, and spacious meat and dairy kitchens. 

Special holiday programming this year included a superb “Succah City,” an elegant Tu Bishvat Seder, a magnificent Purim Ball, a meaningful communal seder, and a Tikkun Leil Shavu’ot.   Youth programs are held on Shabbat and this year we featured a chocolate seder (led by our teens), two totally youth Shabbatot with meals (all services, Torah reading, and divrei Torah led exclusively by our youth), and more.  Our B’nai Mitzvah have the opportunity to lead services and read Torah and to actively participate as they grow.  Finally, social programs ranged from a Wine Tasting Night to “Just Because Dinners,” and two league Softball teams!

We are happy to respond to questions from members of the community.  Call us at 314-576-5230, or send us an e-mail at tradcong@sbcglobal.net.