188 North Prospect Street
Burlington, Vermont 05401
(802) 864-0218
Jewish Life
OZ is a vibrant hub of community and culture, fostering engagement and celebration of Jewish life. Our diverse programming includes:
- Study and celebration of all Jewish holidays
- Year-round musical and dance events
- A vibrant adult education program
- Numerous recreational activities such as mah-jongg, pickleball, hiking, and game nights
Spirituality
The spiritual life at OZ is central to fostering connection, meaning, and belonging. Our diverse religious and spiritual practices cater to the needs of our growing community. We honor tradition while exploring innovative approaches to prayer, spirituality, holidays, and lifecycle events. The cornerstone of our practice is 25 hours of Shabbat, where our sanctuary, yurt, and outdoor spaces allow congregants to deepen their connection to Judaism.
Social Justice
OZ has a rich tradition of social activism rooted in Jewish values. We are committed to strengthening and expanding this legacy. Our efforts include combating hunger and poverty, fighting antisemitism, challenging racism in our community, advocating for those on the margins and ensuring environmental well-being. Through education and hands-on experiences, we deepen our community’s understanding and appreciation of Jewish values and their application in social justice.
An Inclusive and Diverse Jewish Community
Ohavi Zedek (or OZ) was founded in 1885 by 18 Jewish immigrants from Lithuania. Our vibrant, egalitarian and inclusive congregation is committed to embracing tradition while actively participating in our changing Jewish world. Our building was one of the first woman-designed synagogues in the US and home to wonderful wooded trails and the historic Lost Mural. Our community consists of hundreds of individuals and families from a range of Jewish denominations. We are a kehilla (a sacred community) where everyone is welcome, including inter-faith and LGBTQ families, all abilities, races and ethnicities. We offer learning and programs for all ages. Whether your interest in Judaism is spiritual, cultural or in Social Action (Ohavi Zedek means “Lovers of Justice!”), we hope you will find a home at OZ. We are a member of the United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism. We embrace our diversity as our greatest strength.
The Lost Mural
In 1910 the interior of Chai Adam synagogue in Burlington, VT was gloriously painted from ceiling to floor by Ben Zion Black, who was brought from Lithuania by the congregation to paint the synagogue in the prevalent style of the wooden shuls (synagogues) of Eastern Europe. Decades later the synagogues in Burlington merged and the Chai Adam building was sold several times before ultimately being converted into apartment units. Much of the painting was destroyed during the renovation but the mural over the ark was covered by a wall and forgotten until 2012 when the Lost Mural was uncovered for the first time in nearly thirty years.
Now, over a hundred years later, after countless volunteer hours and significant donor support, we have been able to preserve this priceless treasure before it was lost to history. As we honor the lives of all those lost in the Shoah, Ohavi Zedek’s community takes pride in the preservation of this important and beautiful piece of history for future generations.
