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 Offers Diverse Programs
- Kol Shalom Is Welcoming
- Kol Shalom Is Community-Centered
- Kol Shalom Has a Social Action Orientation
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.