About the Lake Norman Jewish Congregation 

Our Mission: 

The Lake Norman Jewish Congregation welcomes those interested in learning, worship and fellowship in an inclusive Jewish environment. Our goal is to promote a sense of belonging and acceptance within the congregation as well as the community at large by creating a place for spiritual growth while fostering Jewish tradition, education and culture.

Our History:

The congregation was formed in the summer of 2006 to answer the community's desire for spiritually enriching religious services, stimulating Jewish education for children and adults, and community social activities. We welcome active participation and encourage lifelong learning. Drawing upon the rich, varied traditions of Judaism, we express them in contemporary ways, responsive to our lives in the 21st century.

Clergy: 

Rabbi  Michael Shields became the first full-time rabbi of the Lake Norman Jewish Congregation (LNJC) in the summer of 2008.  This vibrant Jewish Spiritual Community is based in Davidson, North Carolina.  Before coming to the congregation Rabbi Shields served at Temple Israel in Marion, Ohio, and most recently as the education director at the Union for Reform Judaism's Camp Coleman, a Jewish summer camp in Cleveland, Georgia.  Rabbi Shields is a member of the Rotary club and the Davidson Ministerial Association.  Rabbi Shields also serves as the Adjunct Jewish Chaplain at Davidson College.

Rabbi Shields was ordained by the Hebrew Union College and received Masters degrees in Religious Education and Hebrew Literature. He received a Bachelor's Degree in History from the University of Albany.