DARKHEI NOAM Information

Darkhei Noam was founded in March 2002 by four individuals who were inspired by Drisha's high holiday minyan and encouraged by the publication in the Edah Journal of Mendel Shapiro's halakhic analysis of mixed Torah reading. From its inception, the vision for Darkhei Noam has been the creation of a minyan and community centered around inclusivity and meaningful prayer. As such, women take on active roles in the ritual life of the minyan within the bounds of halakha. Darkhei Noam strives to provide a place where all who come to pray are active participants; where the voices of davening come not just from the leaders of tefillah, but from both sides of the mechitza as well; where public space is shared by men and women; and where the intrinsic value of each individual is recognized. Several founders of Jerusalem's Shira Chadasha minyan gave guidance and advice to Darkhei Noam in its early stages. Initially, Darkhei Noam met on a monthly basis at Rodeph Shalom, which provided not only a space to daven but also moral support to the fledgling Darkhei Noam community. As the community grew and began meeting more frequently, Darkhei Noam was welcomed warmly by the Heschel Lower School to use its building, which provides a larger space for davening and space for childcare and youth programming. Darkhei Noam strives to provide a warm, welcoming atmosphere as well as a meaningful, inspiring, participatory prayer experience filled with communal singing as well as space for personal prayer. In order to help achieve these goals, we ask that adults refrain from talking during services and help maintain an ambiance conducive to spirited and serious prayer.