Re: Secular Jew married to atheist wants ''religious'' framework for kids

I was raised a secular Jew. I joined a synagogue because, like you, I wanted to give my daughter a sense of her Jewish heritage. One of the primary reasons I chose Kehilla Community Synagogue (www.kehillasynagogue.org) was because it is a place where you can believe in God in whatever way is comfortable for you, including, not believing in God. It is absolutely a place where other faiths are respected. There are many interfaith families who are members. Here's a comment a friend made regarding my daughters Bat Mitzvah service -- ''I found the service to be a celebration of good living rather than instilling fear of the consequences of bad living...'' A Spiritual Jew

Re: Jewish Reconstructionists in East Bay?

Kehilla Community Synagogue is a great congregation. All my East Bay Jewish friends belong, and if I lived in the East Bay I would also. Lots of kids stuff, wonderful, diverse community, real commitment to tikkun olam, beautiful music. If you aren't familiar with KCS I suggest you check them out. dr.lapin

Re: Trying to get more connected to my Jewish roots - Sinai or Kehilla?

I have been a member of Kehilla for 12 years. I, too, went through the Sinai/Kehilla debate, but found Kehilla to be a much warmer environment. My husband, also not Jewish, found it more welcoming than Sinai. The community at Kehilla is why I stay involved. The people are just awesome. It is a very comfortable place, and while it may take some time to learn the prayers/rituals, you won't feel out of place....because there are always people who are not familiar with the songs. Everything is done in a way to have people feel included, even people new to the congregation. If you have any more questions, or want to talk, feel free to give me a call. Both my children went through the b'nai mitzvah program there, and were very enriched by it. I felt really comfortable knowing that they were learning about ethics and spirituality, and not about there only being one true path. I was not at all religious when I joined, but I found I really like the rituals...and now I even go to services on shabbat from time to time. Barbara

Re: Seeking a diverse, open minded reform synagogue

I highly recommend Kehilla -- a very diverse, tolerant, progressive, spiritually driven community. They practice many of the ancient jewish traditions and prayers/chants, while twisting them slightly to make them more progressive and relevant to today's world. A very moving and uplifting community. anon

I do not belong but have gone to High Holiday and other services with them, and have found the community to be incredibly diverse as there are many gay/lesbian couples as well as racially-mixed couples (and their children). In their High Holiday prayer book they even have passages designated for those who consider themselves atheist, which I have not found in any other snyagogue. Now that I am a parent I will probably join Kehilla if only to send my son to classes there. Definitely go and check them out. Lori

Re: Looking for a child-oriented Jewish congregation

Asking for recommendations about synagogues or churches is like asking for recommendations about art. ("Why on earth did you recommend that I see that Pollock exhibition? My four-year-old does the same thing!")

Having said that, I'm a big fan of our spiritual community, Kehilla Community Synagogue in North Berkeley. Aligned with the Association for Jewish Renewal, most would consider us progressive. Judy in particular might be interested to know that there are a few School of Ed folks in the community. Pre-recorded events line - 5284636; office line - 5275452; email - kehilla at compuserve.com. Wishing you mazel in your search, Eric