FAQ’s

A “Third Space” or “Third Place” is a sociological concept developed by Ray Oldenburg in the early 1990s. You can read about Third Spaces in more detail here.

A whole lot! At Third Space you can discover convenings and experiences that inspire, foster reflection, and deepen connections to heritage and community. We intend to be a container for creativity, collaboration, exploration, and discovery. You can read about the different kinds of programs we offer here or sign up for classes and buy tickets through our calendar.

Third Space at Shaarei Tfiloh is meant to fulfill the needs of someone at any point in their Jewish learning journey. Third Space programming is for anyone who is curious about what Jewish tradition and wisdom might have to say about a range of topics spanning from your favorite Jewish foods to contemporary issues that are difficult to find an entry point into. Third Space will be a place that is imbued with Jewish influence and welcomes anyone who is curious and wants to learn more about what that might mean in their current lives and landscape of living. 

In order to cover costs of programming and simultaneously ensure anyone wanting to join us at Third Space is able to do so, we have implemented a “Choose Your Own” philosophy for our ticketing tiers. Please choose the ticket price that best suits your needs.

“Pay My Way” is the base pice of the ticket.

“Pay It Forward,” if it’s accessible to you, provides a little extra support of our mission–and other Third Spacers.

“Pay What I Can” allows you to take advantage of someone else’s having paid it forward.

“On the House” spots, when available, are intended to be used by those who would otherwise be unable to participate. 

Third Space is located at the intersection of Liberty Heights Avenue and Auchentoroly Terrace, with the front entrance on Holmes Avenue. We are easy to find using GPS. See more information below as it relates to parking. However, if you are coming to Third Space on any given day, not for a program, there is street parking available on Holmes, which is perpendicular to Liberty Heights on the residential side of the building (not the side with Druid Hill Park and the Baltimore Zoo).

Driving Directions:

From the South:

Option 1: 95 North  to Exit 53 395 North, then turn Right on Pratt Street. Get in left lane to turn left on N President Street which turns into 83 North. Take Exit 6/ 7A/7B for 28th Street.  Then follow your GPS accordingly. 

Option 2: 29 North to 70 East to Exit 95 to merge onto Security Blvd. Turn Right onto Ingleside Road/ N Forest Park Avenue. Turn Right onto Windsor Mill Road. Turn left onto Gwynns Falls Parkway. Turn Left onto Tioga Parkway. Turn Right on Liberty Heights Avenue. Get in left lane to bear left onto Liberty Heights Avenue. 

From the North:

Take 83 South to exit 7 / 28th St + Druid Park Lake Drive Bear Right and follow signs to Druid Park Lake Drive. When Druid Park Lake splits, bear right (keep the zoo on your right) to stay on McCulloh Street. At the Second Light, turn left onto Liberty Heights Avenue. Third Space will be on your left.

Yes! Parking specifications and directions for programming will always be provided ahead of time in registration and confirmation emails. When coming to Third Space during the day there is street parking on Holmes, which is also where the front entrance to the building is located. Third Space also has a lot located at 3515 Woodbrook Avenue, next to the firehouse. For evening and weekend programming, we use the grassy lot at Parks and People, located across the street at 2100 Liberty Heights Avenue. A parking attendant will be there to direct you where to park and point you in the direction of the 2 minute walk to our building. For select events, there will also be parking available at the Baltimore Zoo, with a shuttle service that will take people to the entrance of Third Space.

The main entrance to Third Space has a ramp accessible for wheelchairs, walkers, canes, and anyone else for which steps are difficult. There are bathrooms on the ground floor large enough for those who use mobility aids. There is not an elevator in the building, however a chair lift goes up to the sanctuary on the second floor, making programming in the sanctuary accessible for most. The chair lift requires the user to transfer from their device to the chairlift. While you will have to leave your mobility device on the ground floor, there are wheelchairs located on the main floor of the Sanctuary that you can use to either get to your seat or remain seated in if necessary. The upper balcony of the sanctuary does not have a chair in place for access at this time, so anyone who attends a program using the chair lift will be seated on the primary floor of the sanctuary for programming. Accessibility is an important value to the Third Space team, and we are dedicated to continuing to make the space accessible as we continue our construction plan for the building.

We prioritize creating a safe and inclusive environment where everyone can feel comfortable celebrating culture, art, and gathering. Our security policies are designed to ensure the safety of our visitors, performers, and staff while fostering a welcoming and respectful atmosphere. 

1. Entrance and Screening 

All guests, staff, and performers are required to pass through security screening upon entering the premises. This may include bag checks, metal detectors, and a friendly greeting from our security team. Please arrive as early as you can to ensure a smooth entry. Have your tickets ready to be scanned upon entry.  

2. Prohibited Items 

For everyone’s safety, we do not permit weapons, sharp objects, or items that could be considered dangerous. Additionally, outside alcohol, illicit substances, knitting needles, flags, air horns, whistles, laser pointers, signs, banners, posters, balloons, aerosol cans, flammable liquids, stuffed animals/ wrapped gifts, and outside food and beverages are not allowed. All water bottles must be dumped before walking into the venue. There is a water fountain inside to fill up a reusable water bottle. The decision if an object is considered dangerous is solely at the discretion of Third Space.  Any item confiscated may be returned upon departure.   

3. Bag Policy 

Third Space requests that you do not bring large bags into the building. Small bags are permitted provided they do not exceed 5″ x 7”. Clear bags that do not exceed 14” x 6” x 14” are also permitted. Medical bags will also be allowed.  

4. Emergency Procedures 

In the event of an emergency, our trained event staff and security staff will guide everyone to safety. Please listen carefully to any instructions and follow all exit signs.  

5. Respect for Privacy 

While maintaining high security standards, we respect the privacy of all our guests and performers. Our security personnel are trained to conduct screenings discreetly and respectfully. Please allow performers to enter and leave the venue safely and privately. 

6. Reporting Concerns 

If you see anything suspicious or have safety concerns, please approach any member of our event team. Your awareness and assistance help us keep everyone safe. 

7. Cultural Sensitivity 

As a space dedicated to celebrating diversity and belonging in a historically Jewish building, we ask everyone to honor and respect the diverse backgrounds and traditions represented here and create a welcoming space for others.  

8. Zero Tolerance for Discrimination 

We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for any form of discrimination, harassment, or hate speech. Any individual violating this policy will be removed from the premises immediately. No refund will be issued. Discrimination includes but not limited to sexism, racism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, xenophobia, and ageism. Third Space solely reserves the right to determine the nature of the offense.  

9. Accessibility 

We strive to make our space accessible to everyone. If you have any specific needs or require assistance, please inform our team upon arrival, and we’ll be happy to accommodate. 

10. Cooperation and Community 

We view safety and belonging as a shared responsibility. By cooperating with our policies, you help us create a safe and welcoming space for all to enjoy. If there are any questions about these policies please email info@thirdspacest.org.    

Third Space at Shaarei Tfiloh will be maintaining a vegetarian kitchen. Sometimes, exceptions may be made to this policy, but would need to be certified kosher and outlined in an agreement between a program partner and the Third Space at Shaarei Tfiloh staff team. Third Space at Shaarei Tfiloh aims to meet various dietary requirements whenever possible for our participants and is committed to supporting local business. There is no food allowed in the sanctuary. Only reusable water bottles and Third Space at Shaarei Tfiloh tumblers are permitted for beverage consumption in the sanctuary. For programs and events, empty water bottles are permitted which you can fill at our water station, located in the kitchen.

Yes, you can! For more details, check out our rental page.

It’s not…but the building is. Third Space at Shaarei Tfiloh will not operate as a synagogue model despite being housed in a century old synagogue building.   Individuals and their families will not pay dues to participate at Third Space and our primary function will not be to host worship services and other religious activities usually associated with a traditional synagogue. The name Third Space at Shaarei Tfiloh both honors the legacy of the synagogue building in which our non-profit sits and has an organizational structure that will be more ‘pay to play’ with sliding scale pricing when there is a cost associated with a program, performance, or learning series. In Jewish tradition there are three primary places where Jews have gone to learn, celebrate, and observe: the bet knesset (the synagogue), the bet midrash (the place of learning), and the bet tarbut (a center for arts and culture). Third Space at Shaarei Tfiloh will be deeply leaning into the latter two – however we do plan to host monthly Shabbat gatherings and celebrate the seasons along the rhythm of the Jewish calendar of holidays and other observances.  To learn about Shaarei Tfiloh Congregation before the launch of Third Space click here.

There are a few ways to stay in touch with us. You can subscribe for updates, get in touch with us using the contact form, and follow us on social media on Facebook and Instagram. For more information, contact info@thirdspacest.org.