What makes Kol HaLev Different?
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Description and Vision
Kol HaLev is a new kind of synagogue community in the making. Informed by Reconstructionist principles, we are a diverse group seeking to create meaningful lives by drawing inspiration from the Jewish heritage and shaping a contemporary Judaism.
Kol HaLev provides a framework for integrating our modern and Jewish lives. By engaging with Jewish values, practices and commitments, we may apply this wisdom to various dimensions of contemporary life – ethical, spiritual, political and practical – and engage thoughtfully with the moral issues and challenges of our day. Judaism, Jewish culture, and Jewish people are connected to the larger society, and ours is a spirituality of inter-connectedness. Our purpose is to promote and support each other’s growth as Jews and as human beings, furthering the cause of social justice and world repair.
For us, “community” implies inclusivity, commitment and consensus -- openness to all, active participation, personal ownership and responsibility, social connection, and the vibrancy that comes from different visions and understandings and interests. In partnership with rabbinic leadership, we explore historical legacies, contemporary sensibilities and creative expressions in the dynamic process of forming Jewish life for our day. In addition to guiding our communal life, our rabbinic leader serves us individually and personally by accompanying us through our lives and helping to sanctify special moments and events.
Our communal programming is founded on the Shabbat rhythm of “Jewish time,” when we gather for prayer services and singing, study, children’s activities, cultural events, meals, social connection, guest speakers and conversations, etc. This vision allows us to come together with our families even as we explore that which attracts us individually to the larger family of Judaism and the Jewish people.
We envision a synagogue community that is a place of invitation and connection, learning and enrichment, celebration and uplift, inspiration and guidance, comfort and solace.
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Mission
Kol HaLev provides accessible opportunities to experience and participate in Jewish practice, thought and culture within the evolving Jewish tradition. Through multiple entry points to engagement with Jewish customs, values and ideas, we promote personal growth, social connection and ethical action in the world, i.e., lives of meaning and relationship. Offering a broadly defined spirituality and flexible practice, we serve a diverse population, reaching out to and inviting self-identifying Jews and their loved ones who may be independent of other Jewish affiliations. We welcome inter-faith families as well as non-Jews who want to join our explorations of Jewish traditions and the crafting of a meaningful life.
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