The Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, which recently relocated to 8339 Old York Road in Elkins Park from Northeast Philadelphia, was highlighted on Thursday by The Jewish Exponent.

According to the story, the temple’s name—a Hebrew phrase that translates to “Gates of Heaven”— references the 14 different congregations before various mergers.

“When the synagogue merged with another that was more egalitarian, Shaare Shamayim started hiring egalitarian rabbis and cantors in addition to Orthodox ones,” Rabbi Sandra Berliner said. “Now, when we pray on High Holidays, we pray in two different spaces — our egalitarian group meets in our new sanctuary, and there is a chapel right across the hall where the traditional group meets.”

Shaare Shamayim has between 250-300 families as members and features a “sisterhood group” comprised of women of all ages who come together for activities like bingo, baby showers, Shabbat services, tea, dinners and fundraisers.

The offer from Keneseth Israel of Elkins Park included a segment of the building with its own entrance and sanctuary, which has allowed the two synagogues to operate independently in a shared space.

“KI has been a wonderful landlord, and it’s been great to be a part of the Elkins Park community,” temple President Fran Gabriel said.

News of the relocation came out in April.

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Photo: Congregations of Shaare Shamayim