Shir Tikvah was born in 1988 when a small group shared a common vision: a new synagogue in the spirit of liberal Judaism that would welcome and encourage the participation of individuals and families of varying Jewish lifestyles. They envisioned a synagogue that was personal, welcoming and active in Torah study and social action. They wondered whether others in the community would be interested. The answer became clear a few weeks later, when more than 200 people attended the first informational meeting. From there, things moved quickly. In May, the new congregation held its first Shabbat service, and by August Rabbi Stacy K. Offner had been hired to lead the 40-household congregation. By the end of the year, the congregation had a name, Shir Tikvah, meaning Song of Hope, and a membership of 80 households. At the end of the second year Shir Tikvah was a congregation of 120 households. Shir Tikvah moved into its current building in 1994, and now has a vibrant membership of more than 455 households.