What Rodef Shalom Congregation does

Rodef Shalom Congregation is a 170-year-old Reform Jewish congregation headquartered at 4905 Fifth Avenue in Pittsburgh's Shadyside-Oakland neighborhood, serving more than 700 member families across the Pittsburgh metropolitan area. The congregation offers a comprehensive portfolio of religious, educational, cultural, and community services including weekly Shabbat worship (in-person and YouTube/Facebook livestream), a unified K-12 religious school operated jointly with Temple Sinai, the Berkman Family Center Preschool for children 18 months to 5 years, B'Mitzvah preparation, youth group programming, and adult lifelong learning. Distinctive assets include the largest Biblical Botanical Garden in North America, an 11,000+ item accredited Jewish library, a member museum, and the 110-acre West View Cemetery offering traditional, mausoleum, and green burial options.

Revenue is generated through a diversified mix of tiered annual membership dues ($250–$2,544), preschool and religious school tuition, event venue rentals across 11+ spaces (largest accommodating 400 guests), cemetery sales and pre-need planning, a volunteer-run Gift Corner retail shop, and donations to designated and endowment funds. Distribution is primarily direct and in-person, supplemented by livestream, email newsletters, and active social media presence across YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. The congregation is affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism and is in the process of unifying with Temple Sinai to form Beit Kulanu, with a fully rebranded combined website scheduled for launch in August 2026.

The organization is governed by an independent board, employs 40 staff and clergy, and maintains historic landmark status for its primary building complex. Partnerships span Keshet (LGBTQ+ inclusion), the Religious Action Center (social justice advocacy), Workers Circle and Yiddish Book Center (Yiddish cultural programming), JFCS (refugee resettlement), and NFTY (teen engagement). Technology is limited to standard administrative and facility management systems with no disclosed AI/ML capabilities or proprietary technology platforms.

Name

Rodef Shalom Congregation

Legal name

Rodef Shalom Congregation

Website

https://rodefshalom.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1856

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Rodef Shalom Congregation is a 170-year-old Reform Jewish congregation in Pittsburgh serving 700+ member families through worship, preschool, unified K-12 religious school, lifecycle events, event rentals, a biblical botanical garden, and a 110-acre cemetery.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Religious Organization Services

NAICS

Religious Organizations (8131)

SIC

Services-Child Day Care Services (8351)

akta.pro primary industry

Local Congregations & Worship Communities (Churches, Mosques, Temples, Synagogues) (BPAGAJAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Faith-Based Education & Formation (Seminaries, Religious Schools, Catechesis) (BPAGAJAD), Places of Worship & Religious Facilities Operations (Cemeteries, Retreat Centers, Pilgrimage Sites) (BPAGAJAL), Faith-Based Childcare Centers (EDACAAAN)

Keywords

• Reform Jewish congregation
• Religious education services
• Jewish community programming
• Cemetery burial services
• Event venue rentals

Headquarters

HQ city

Pittsburgh

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership fees at multiple tiers providing access to services, High Holy Day tickets, discounted program access, and facility rental rates
2. Early Childhood Education: Berkman Family Center Preschool for children 18 months through 5 years, offering play-based learning with Jewish values
3. Religious School Tuition: K-12 religious education program including Hebrew instruction and B'Mitzvah preparation
4. Event Rentals: Affordable rental spaces available to non-profit organizations, businesses, and members for classes, meetings, retreats, lectures, concerts, luncheons, and more. Multiple venues including Freehof Hall (up to 400 guests), Aaron Court, Adult Learning Center, Classrooms, Deaktor Terrace, Falk Library, Levy Hall, Lippman Library, Multipurpose Room, Kamin Dining Room, and Biblical Botanical Garden
5. Gift Corner Retail: Gift shop operated by Women of Rodef Shalom selling Judaica, holiday items, hand-crafted goods. Open during Religious School hours and weekday afternoons
6. Cemetery Services: West View Cemetery (110-acre property) offering traditional in-ground sites, mausoleum interment with crypts and niches, green cemetery section, and perpetual care
7. Donations and Endowment Funds: Contributions to various designated funds including General Fund, Biblical Botanical Garden, Capital Upgrades, Rabbi Sharyn Henry Fund, Youth Education, Endowment Funds, and programmatic funds

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Rodef Shalom Congregation is a historic Reform Jewish synagogue that delivers weekly Shabbat worship services, comprehensive Jewish education from early childhood preschool through K-12 religious school and adult learning, lifecycle event officiation (B'Mitzvah, weddings, funerals, conversions), community social-action programs, and a 110-acre cemetery. It supplements member-facing programs with paid facility rentals, a Judaica gift shop, and a museum of Jewish art and culture. The congregation is currently unifying with Temple Sinai under the "Beit Kulanu" brand.

Product overview

Rodef Shalom Congregation is a Reform Jewish community offering a comprehensive portfolio of religious, educational, and community services. The organization operates core programs including weekly Shabbat services (in-person and livestreamed), the Unified Religious School (JJEP) for K-12 students in partnership with Temple Sinai, and the Berkman Family Center Preschool for children 18 months to 5 years. Additional key offerings include the B'Mitzvah preparation program, Youth Group activities, the Abraham Lippman Library (accredited by the Association of Jewish Libraries), and the acclaimed Biblical Botanical Garden—the largest of its kind in North America. The congregation provides event rental facilities (Freehof Hall, Levy Hall, Aaron Court, and others), operates West View Cemetery (110 acres), and maintains active community organizations including the Unified Congregational Choir, Community Outreach and Social Action (COSA) committee, Women of Rodef Shalom, and Brotherhood. Cultural programs include the Jewish Museum, Yiddish Day, and the annual Pursuer of Peace Award ceremony. The organization is currently transitioning toward unification with Temple Sinai as 'Beit Kulanu.'

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Berkman Family Center Preschool: Early childhood education program for children 18 months through 5 years old, operating as part of Rodef Shalom Congregation.
• Biblical Botanical Garden
• West View Cemetery
• Abraham Lippman Library
• Rodef Shalom Jewish Museum

Products and services

• Shabbat Services Weekly Shabbat worship services featuring music and prayer, offered both in-person and via livestream, for member families and visitors.
• Berkman Family Center Preschool Early childhood education program for children 18 months to 5 years old, offering play-based learning infused with Jewish values and traditions, located in Shadyside-Oakland.
• Unified Religious School (JJEP) K-12 Jewish religious education provided jointly with Temple Sinai, including Hebrew instruction, Torah study, and experiential learning for students in greater Pittsburgh.
• B'Mitzvah Program Preparation program for students becoming B'Mitzvah at age 13, including tutoring (22 hours covered), Torah portion study, d'var Torah preparation, clergy rehearsal, and family mitzvah projects.
• Youth Group K-12 youth programming connecting children to Jewish identity through social action, leadership development, friendship-building activities, TheRSTY teen board, and NFTY participation.
• West View Cemetery 110-acre cemetery with 6,000+ gravesites offering traditional in-ground burial, mausoleum interment (crypts and niches), a green burial section, and pre-need planning services.
• Biblical Botanical Garden One-third acre Biblical Botanical Garden, the largest of its kind in North America, featuring 100+ plants labeled with corresponding biblical verses, waterfall, desert, stream, River Jordan representation, and replicas of ancient farming tools.
• Abraham Lippman Library 11,000+ item circulating library accredited by the Association of Jewish Libraries, including the Glick Children's Library and Broff Youth Area, serving as a literature and learning resource.
• Event Rentals Rental of congregational event spaces including Freehof Hall (up to 400 guests), Levy Hall (280 capacity), Aaron Court, classrooms, Deaktor Terrace, Falk Library, Lippman Library, Kamin Dining Room, and the Biblical Botanical Garden for non-profits, businesses, and members.
• Gift Corner Volunteer-run gift shop operated by Women of Rodef Shalom, selling Judaica, candles, jewelry, challah covers, hand-crafted goods, baby sweaters, and quilts, with nationwide shipping.
• Unified Congregational Choir Volunteer choir comprising singers from both Rodef Shalom and Temple Sinai, singing at monthly services with no audition required, led by Music Director Don Megahan and Cantor David Reinwald.
• Rodef Shalom Congregation Jewish Museum Museum and member of the Council of American Jewish Museums featuring rotating exhibits on Jewish history, culture, and art including botanical illustrations and contemporary works.
• Yiddish Day Program Annual Yiddish language and culture event featuring song workshops, language classes, social justice organizing, and traditional dancing, sponsored by Workers Circle.
• Adult Learning Lifelong Jewish learning programs for adults including lectures, study groups, concerts, and films presented by the Lifelong Jewish Learning Program.

Named customers1 record

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Union for Reform Judaism (URJ)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffiliated organization providing connection to Reform Judaism movement nationally. Offers reciprocal High Holy Day tickets at any URJ-affiliated congregation in the US. Maintains links to Jewish men's organizations across North America through URJ ties.
• Temple SinaicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnification in progress to form 'Beit Kulanu'. Combined religious school, youth groups, choir, social action committees. Joint Pursuer of Peace event honoring Family House. Shared staff including Cantor David Reinwald for choir.
• Religious Action Center (RAC)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for social justice advocacy. RAC's L'Taken Social Justice Seminar connects teens with advocacy and leadership skills. Congregation has RAC liaison and participates in RAC work.
• KeshetcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLGBTQ+ Safe Zone certification demonstrating commitment to inclusive community for LGBTQ individuals and families.
• AleinuminorGTM or Marketing PartnerJewish social action campaign organization. Congregation affiliated with Aleinu Campaign.
• Workers CircleminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYiddish cultural organization. Yiddish Day pilot outreach program sponsored by Workers Circle. Yiddish language collaboration with Workers Circle for fall programming. Social Justice and Yiddish organizer Yasha Giner leads programming.
• Yiddish Book CenterminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGrant provider for Yiddish Day program. Supports Yiddish cultural programming and education.
• JFCS (Jewish Family and Community Services)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for refugee resettlement. Helping set up residences to welcome refugees to Pittsburgh. Developed relationships through clothing drives and support.
• East End Cooperative MinistryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint meal service with Temple Sinai. Congregants serve meals at the ministry as part of community outreach.
• Strauss/Warschauer DuominorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerInternational Klezmer and Yiddish music performers. Conducted Yiddish Song Workshop, Yiddish Shabbat music, and Duo Concert. Deborah Strauss (violin, accordion, vocals, dance) and Cantor Jeff Warschauer (guitar, mandolin, vocals).
• NFTY (National Federation of Temple Youth)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTeen youth movement of Reform Judaism supported by URJ. Provides teens opportunity to meet others nationwide and build communities through teen-powered engagement, Tikkun Olam, and personal growth.
• East Liberty Presbyterian ChurchminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDG2! Social action partnership where youth groups come together to help make the world a better place through joint service projects.
• Greater Pittsburgh Jewish Clergy AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-sponsors Introduction to Judaism class for conversion candidates. Classes taught by Greater Pittsburgh Jewish Clergy Association.
• Joint Jewish Education Program (JJEP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnified religious school with Temple Sinai. K-12 religious education providing innovative, experiential learning. Open to all K-12 students in greater Pittsburgh.
• Association of Jewish LibrariesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAbraham Lippman Library accredited by the Association of Jewish Libraries. 11,000+ item repository for literature and learning resources.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Congregation Emanu-El (San Francisco): Historic flagship Reform congregation in San Francisco offering worship, religious school, cultural programming, and event venue rentals in a landmark facility. Closely comparable in scale, brand prestige, and venue-rental revenue model.
• Stephen S. Wise Temple: One of the largest Reform congregations in the U.S. with an extensive day school, religious school, early childhood center, and camps. Comparable operating complexity and revenue diversification across education, worship, and events.
• Temple Emanu-El: One of the largest and most prominent Reform Jewish congregations in the U.S. Comparable historic flagship-building status, comprehensive programming (school, museum, social action), and national profile in the Reform movement.
• Central Synagogue: Large Manhattan-based Reform congregation with preschool, religious school, and extensive programming for members of all ages. Comparable scale, programming breadth, and reliance on a landmark urban facility.
• Park Avenue Synagogue: Large historic Reform congregation in New York with a full day school, early childhood center, and active adult programming. Closely matches Rodef Shalom's preschool-through-adult educational pipeline and member-services breadth.
• Congregation Beth Shalom: Large Conservative Jewish congregation in Pittsburgh offering religious school, preschool, cemetery, and lifecycle programming. Directly comparable scale and community-services portfolio in the same metropolitan market.
• Tree of Life Congregation: Historic Pittsburgh-area Jewish congregation offering worship, religious education, and community programming. Comparable congregation-size and denominational-adjacent offering set serving the same regional population.
• Temple Sinai (Pittsburgh): Reform Jewish congregation in Pittsburgh currently unifying with Rodef Shalom to form Beit Kulanu. Operates similar programming (religious school, preschool, lifecycle events) and is the most direct peer given the active merger partnership.
• Temple Israel (Boston): Large New England-area Reform congregation with preschool, religious school, youth programs, and adult learning. Comparable member scale, multi-generational programming, and URJ-affiliated Reform identity.
• Congregation Rodfei Sholom (Anshe Chesed): Historic Reform congregation in New York offering early childhood, religious school, and lifecycle programming. Comparable historic-urban flagship model and comprehensive community-services portfolio.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@RodefShalomPgh
• Facebookfacebook.com/rscpgh
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/rodef-shalom-congregation
• Instagraminstagram.com/rodef.shalom

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles21 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Rodef Shalom Congregation