General Info:
Kol Shalom, Community for Humanistic Judaism, offers a human-centered connection to Jewish culture, values and heritage. As Humanistic Jews, we believe that human beings rather than supernatural authority have responsibility for solving human problems. We provide opportunities for intellectual and spiritual growth and a sense of belonging. Our goal is to create a context for our diverse Jewish and intercultural members. We offer a humanistic interpretation of Jewish religious practices and culture in our celebrations and social events. Kol Shalom is a vibrant community, priding itself in the warm support enjoyed by its members and the mutuality of interests and values which connect us. At the same time, we function, in many respects, as a congregation. Like other congregations, we hold Jewish holiday services and celebrations, we offer education in the history and culture of the Jewish people, and we observe life-cycle events, often enlivened by our Music Makers chorus. We have within us the bones of a congregation with the heartbeat of a community. We believe this melding serves us well. Our creative cultural and social programs include B'nai Mitzvah, Yiddish classes, Havdalahs and education forums. We celebrate Shabbat, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkoth, Hanukkah, Purim, Passover and other Jewish holidays. We promote social justice and engage in public affairs, advancing our ideals of equity and tolerance. Kol Shalom members work with the Metropolitan Alliance for Common Good ( MACG ), Oregon Food Bank, and for healthcare access. We encourage personal involvement but members can engage the Kol Shalom community on any level. There are occasions on which we seek unity with other groups, in the service of compassion, justice, and peace. We recognize individual and community responsibility to make a better world. Kol Shalom is about sharing and celebrating life's passages, challenges and joys as friends, as family, and as a community. Kol Shalom Offers Diverse Programs Kol Shalom human-centered Jewish holiday celebrations enrich our lives and connect us as a community. Kol Shalom offers creative and intellectually stimulating Jewish education programs focusing on Jewish culture, tradition and history that integrate with an understanding of humanistic ethics and values. Our children's education program actively involves our youngest members in Jewish holiday celebrations and cultural events. At our Havdalah get-togethers we enjoy good food, vibrant company and stimulating conversation. Adult Education and Sunday Forums offer the opportunity to find meaning in Jewish culture without mystical references. The Kol Shalom Newsletter and Web site connect and inform our members. Kol Shalom Is Welcoming Members can engage the Kol Shalom community on many levels, the foremost of which is personal. At Shabbat gatherings, holiday celebrations, or at the speaker forums, it is easy to meet people and make new friends. A talented and engaging group of members at Kol Shalom enriches our lives. All our members, Jewish and non-Jewish, are integral to Kol Shalom's identity and strength. We welcome people of all philosophical and religious backgrounds. Kol Shalom recognizes individual and community responsibility to make a better world, each in one's own way. We seek to improve lives, not only of our families, but of the world we inhabit. At Kol Shalom, our goal is to support each other during times of stress and crisis, and we share and celebrate life together. Kol Shalom Is Community-Centered Kol Shalom is about sharing and celebrating life's passages, challenges and joys as friends, as family, and as a community. We are a community whose members enjoy, respect and support each other. We have fun together in activities such as our "Music Makers" singing group and Dim Sum brunch events. Our social action initiatives demonstrate our commitment to community responsibility. We promote social justice and engage in public affairs, advancing