Darchei Noam opened in Ambler last summer, and its leaders expected around 100 new members, reports Jarrad Saffren for the Jewish Exponent.

Now over a year later, the synagogue has over 210 families in the group, with many locals and even non-local Montco residents joining due to the hybrid, inclusive nature of Darchei Noam.

“I feel at home,” notes Dominique Kliger in Blue Bell.

There is an informal structure to collecting money, which members appreciate. They join on morals and agreeing with their synagogue’s values.

“We were founding members because we felt it was so important. The values,” said Sandi Greenwald of Warrington, referring to herself and her husband Paul.

Synagogue President Brandi Lerner says other communities may be affiliated with Jewish denominations, and “were therefore obligated to enforce the code of their chosen label,” so that may have prevented people from feeling comfortable in their synagogue.

“Many Jews, while they may affiliate with a certain movement because that’s the synagogue, they’re at, they may not identify with that movement,” Lerner said.

At Darchei Noam they just require a desire to practice Judaism, and this philosophy has attracted a unique base of congregants.

Lerner says congregants come from 40 different towns in Montgomery County, 10 in Philadelphia and six in Bucks County.

Read more about Darchei Noam in Ambler at the Jewish Exponent.