Suburban Orthodox Toras Chaim, more commonly called “SOTC” or “Suburban,” is a vibrant congregation catering to a diverse variety of Orthodox households. In addition to daily minyanim (prayer services), our Rabbi, Rabbi Shmuel Silber, has ensured that opportunities abound for learning Torah, no matter what your experience level or learning style. In addition to Rabbi Silber and the Shul’s staff, our active committees ensure the needs and interests of the community are well addressed.
Beyond special events and holidays, our Youth Program provides age-appropriate weekly Shabbat programming for children ages two through teens. Our Israel Action committee creates Israel-based activities and promotes understanding of the current situations in Israel.
For more information on the impressive variety of services Suburban provides the Jewish community, both locally and internationally, and to find out how to get involved, take a look at the Committees section of the website and visit the site for our education arm, the Institute for Jewish Continuity, at rabbisilber.com.
Looking for a place to celebrate an upcoming Simcha (joyous occasion)? Add Suburban to your list of places to contact. Our social hall and sanctuary, along with capable and talented catering options, make Suburban well worth a look.
Visitors are always welcome at Suburban. We love seeing new faces and introducing them to the community. We’re confident you’ll like what you see. If you plan on sticking around awhile, you may consider “becoming a member”. Either way, we’d love to see you here. If you like what you see, perhaps consider making a donation so we can keep up the good work.
Suburban Orthodox Toras Chaim has celebrated over a half-century as an active and vibrant congregation within the Baltimore Jewish Community. Our shul has been blessed with several wonderful spiritual leaders, Rabbi Chaim Gevantman z”l, served from 1957 until his retirement in 1976, Rabbi Ervin Preis z”l, served from 1976 until his passing in 2002 and our current Rabbi, Rabbi Shmuel Silber came to our shul in 2003.
With the exception of the first six-months since incorporation, SOTC has continuously occupied the same location at 7504 Seven Mile Lane. While the address has remained the same, the building has changed significantly over time. The original single-story structure remains, yet was literally raised (not razed) onto stilts and a new first floor added underneath the original building. This addition provided capacity for the classrooms now utilized by our youth groups. To facilitate meaningful davening (prayer services), shiurim (classes), social functions and catered events, our sanctuary and social hall have also received many modifications and upgrades throughout the years.
Our Shul’s fifty-plus-years have been enriched by the tireless efforts of many people.
October 2, 1956 — For the first time in all of recorded Jewish history, Thirty-two men and women agree… The agreement is on the need for “the formulation of a new orthodox synagogue…”
March 12, 1957 — First board nominated and elected
April 8, 1957 — Incorporation of Suburban Orthodox Synagogue
May 1, 1957 — First Annual Donor Banquet
July 2, 1957 — Rabbi Chaim Gevantman, visiting from his pulpit in Ambridge, Pennsylvania, discussed his interest in and availability for the position of spiritual leader of Suburban Orthodox Synagogue. Rabbi Gevantman’s offer included ‘one year without compensation. (Quoted from History of Suburban Orthodox Congregation, 1957-1962 by Harold M. Helfman.)
August 1957 — Rabbi Gevantman assumes position as spiritual leader
September 15, 1957 — Dedication of building at current location, 7504 Seven Mile Lane
January, 1960 — Organization of Suburban Orthodox Brotherhood
August 26, 1962 — Cornerstone laid for new building at current location
Chanukah 1962 — Formal dedication of new synagogue
January, 1976 — Due to ill health, Rabbi Chaim Gevantman retires after eighteen years of devoted service to Suburban Orthodox Congregation
Weekends of May 1& 29, 1976 — Rabbi Ervin Preis officiates services as visiting Rabbi
June 9, 1976 — A letter is mailed to the membership indicating the recommendation by the Rabbinic Selection Committee of Rabbi Eliot Feldman as the next Rabbi of Suburban Orthodox Congregation. “However,” the letter reads, “the Board also decided that Rabbi Ervin Preis be brought back for a second visitation and that he too be considered for the position.”
June 16, 1976 — After reviewing 38 resumes and visitations by 9 candidates, Suburban Orthodox Congregation votes unanimously for Rabbi Ervin Preis as spiritual leader.
May 8, 1982 — Passing of Rabbi Emeritus Chaim Gevantman. Subsequently, by unanimous vote, Suburban Orthodox Congregation changes its name to Suburban Orthodox Congregation Toras Chaim.
Lag B’Omer, May 11, 1982 — Originally scheduled date for 25th Anniversary Banquet. The banquet was postponed due to the passing of Rabbi Gevantman.
June 2, 1982 — Rescheduled date of 25th Anniversary Banquet
June 2-3, 1984 — Dedication Weekend of “new” renovations
2003 – Rabbi Shmuel Silber is hired
March 30, 2008 — 50th Anniversary Banquet honoring Rabbi Shmuel and Aviva Silber
2015 – Suburban Orthodox embarks on a capital campaign
Summer 2018 – adjacent properties owned by Suburban Orthodox are demolished in anticipation of the building project