Congregation Shaare Tefilla is a vibrant Modern Orthodox congregation affiliated with the Orthodox Union and Yeshiva University. Founded in 1986, Shaare’s membership has increased from 83 families to approximately 200 member families over the past six years, under the leadership of Rabbi Ari Perl. While a majority of its members are shomer Shabbat, Shaare strives to cultivate an inclusive environment that welcomes and embraces Jews of diverse backgrounds and varying levels of observance. Support for the State of Israel and a sense of fellowship with Jews across the denominational spectrum are considered core values.

Meaningful Tefilla is another important core value at Shaare Tefilla. Throughout the year, there is a daily minyan for both shacharit and mincha/maariv. Friday Night Tefilla is lively and spirited, including a monthly ‘Carlebach-style’ Kabbalat Shabbat. On Shabbat Morning there two minyanim: Main Sanctuary and Hashkama, which is followed by a Kiddush and shiur. The decorum during tefilla at Shaare is a great source of pride; visitors often remark that it is one of the quietest shuls they’ve ever visited.

Quality youth programming is a high priority at Shaare. Under the leadership of our Assistant Rabbi Jay Weinstein, Shaare offers a full-service youth program that includes programming for infants through teens. Babysitting is available beginning at 9:00 AM on Shabbat morning and during most major adult education programs. In addition to the age-appropriate programming it offers, Shaare seeks every appropriate opportunity to involve youth in synagogue ritual.

Torah study is another core value at Shaare Tefilla. The shul is committed to making the transformative power of Torah study accessible to each congregant. In collaboration with the Community Kollel of Dallas, Shaare offers classes that span a wide range of interests and skill levels. Opportunities also abound for small group study and one-on-one chavrutot. In addition to their full participation in all shul classes (including daf yomi), Shaare offers special Torah study opportunities and programming for women. Regular educational programming is augmented by Scholars-in-Residence and guest speakers throughout the year. This year alone we welcomed Rabbi Shlomo Riskin, Prof. Avivah Zornberg, Rabbi Dr. Jeffrey Woolf and Rabbi Kenneth Brander.

Social ties are an important part of the Shaare Tefilla experience. Each Shabbat, an ‘on-call’ rotation insures that guests and singles can share a Shabbat meal with a family in the shul. Following Tefilla every Shabbat, congregants and friends linger at Kiddush; at least once a month there is a full lunch in shul, free of charge. Innovative programming like the ‘Purim Seudah in a Box’ are designed to bring different families in the shul together, while outings to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and the Texas Rangers Ballpark provide opportunities to strengthen friendships while having fun.

Contact the Shaare Tefilla office (972-6611-0127 or shaaretefilla@gmail.com) for more information. Better yet, come spend a Shabbat with us and see for yourself why you belong at Shaare Tefilla!

About our Rabbi

In July of 2003, Congregation Shaare Tefilla welcomed Rabbi Ari Perl as its new spiritual leader. Rabbi Perl came to Dallas from Kansas City, where he was the Rabbi of Congregation BIAV in Overland Park. Rabbi Perl is the Founding Dean of the Community Kollel of Dallas and currently serves as President of the Rabbinical Association of Greater Dallas. Rabbi Perl serves on the Board of Directors of the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas and on the Executive Committee of the Rabbinical Council of America. Under Rabbi Perl's leadership, the Modern Orthodox community in Dallas has grown tremendously, both in numbers and excitement. Rabbi Perl is married to Meira, who adds so much to our community in her role as ‘rebbetzin.’ The Perls have four wonderful children: Tziyona, Elimelekh, Sarit & Assaf.