APRIL 14 • 2022 | 25

seek new ways to create 
personal and intimate 
Jewish experiences. Our 
open house festivities are 
the cornerstone of every 
Shabbat and holiday. At 
the WAS, every occasion is 
capped off by dining and 
celebrating together.”
As a growing but still 
intimate shul, Polter says 
while some may view 
the WAS as a one-man 
job, anyone who visits 
knows each of their loyal 
participants lend a hand. 
“One might say we are a 
Jewish family operation,” 
Polter adds.
Even with a regular 
mailing list of a few 
hundred people who 
participate at some level 
or another, the WAS 
does not have an official 
membership, wanting 
everyone to feel welcome 
to participate in any WAS 
event or service that meets 
their interests or needs. 
“We have an open-door 
policy. All are welcome,” 
Polter said. “We are grateful 
to have a community where 

no one reserves rights to 
the spotlight. It is truly 
like a family — everyone 
counts.”
Among the programs 
the WAS offers is the 
hybrid “Soup and Study” 
program, an opportunity 
to participate in a weekly 
discussion analyzing a 
larger Jewish topic that 
connects with the weekly 
Torah portion, accompanied 
by a warm, hearty soup. 
Session topics so far have 
included trust and faith in 
God, and freedom of choice 
and determinism. 
“For anyone out there 
who feels curious but 
daunted by the prospect 
of a more traditional 
experience, I would invite 
you to sample a visit to 
the WAS.” Polter said. “I 
am confident you will be 
inspired by the richness 
of our Jewish legacy and 
touched by our embracing 
WAS family.” 

To contact Rabbi Polter, email office@

thewas.net. To see an interview with 

the rabbi, go to thejewishnews.com. 

WAS’s women’s section during services.

 
 
 
 

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