GUARDIANS OF THE TORAH ✡︎ SHOMREI HATORAH
A Tent Open to All
ABOUT
Welcoming. Enriching. Committed.
Guardians of the Torah (Shomrei HaTorah), is a congregation welcoming all who wish to join us, at any and all levels of Jewish observance. We are also an organization dedicated to spiritually supporting police, fire fighters, EMTs, the military and their families. Led by Rabbi Richard Baroff, our commitment is to making the practice of Judaism approachable, enjoyable, and affordable to all. We also offer educational opportunities for non-Jews as well as Jews through interfaith dialogue.
Rabbi Baroff had been in the 1990s the Chaplain of Shomrim Georgia-the Jewish law enforcement organization which has chapters throughout the United States. After years out of state, Rabbi Baroff became the chaplain of Shomrim Georgia again in 2007 after returning to the Atlanta area. Guardians of the Torah began as a congregation at that time with the members of Shomrim in mind. Many members of Shomrim did not belong to conventional congregations due to cost and other considerations. Guardians of the Torah was meant to fill that void.
Guardians of the Torah began in 2007 in the Greater Atlanta area and is funded through the generosity of our supporters and not through dues or other assessments. Our mission was then and continues to be to make a special effort to reach out to Jewish first responders and their families. We also offer pastoral support to all people dedicated to public safety and service.
Everyone who supports our dedication to those who serve the public is also welcome. We invite everyone to our educational events and our services. We are "a tent open to all who wish to enter."
WHAT WE OFFER
LIFE CYCLE EVENTS
We believe Jewish practice should be accessible to everyone. We are committed to working with your family to create the most meaningful Jewish life cycle experiences at your education level, abilities, and on your terms.
Rabbi Baroff offers classes, lessons, and B'nai Mitzvah tutoring remotely over Zoom, if you are unable to meet in person.
HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS
Guardians of the Torah - Shomrei HaTorah organizes events for Jewish holidays, as well as High Holiday services. All events are open to the public and require no dues.
Please feel free to reach out to Rabbi Baroff for more information about upcoming services and celebrations, or to be put on the email list.
JEWISH EDUCATION
Rabbi Baroff's biggest passion as a rabbi is the opportunity to teach and discuss with members of the community. Guardians of the Torah - Shomrei HaTorah holds regular learning events and dinner discussions about religion and Jewish history, and holds interfaith events to teach comparative religion. If you are interested in attending a discussion or sponsoring one for your community, please see our contact information.
Rabbi Baroff would also be happy to meet with you and learn over coffee.
ABOUT RABBI RICHARD BAROFF
Rabbi Richard Baroff was ordained a Reform Rabbi by Hebrew Union College -- Institute of Religion in 1987 and received his Doctor of Divinity honoris causa from HUC in 2012. He lives in Atlanta with his family and works with various congregations around Metro-Atlanta, and volunteers religious services to residents and their families at the Cohen Home. He was previously a rabbi at Temple Beth David in Snellville, Temple Kol Emeth in East Cobb, and Shaarei Zedek in East Lansing, MI.
CONTACT GUARDIANS OF THE TORAH - SHOMREI HATORAH
Tax deductible donations can be made to
Guardians of the Torah
c/o Rabbi Richard Baroff
9615 N Pond Circle
Roswell GA 30076
(770) 286-3477
