When Congregation Kol Ami decided in July to leave its building of seven years, its evolution as a spiritual community entered a new phase.
“With every challenge, an opportunity presents itself,” said Rabbi Doug Alpert. “For Kol Ami, we now have the opportunity to identify and build on our many strengths, and realize our full potential as a spiritually inclusive Jewish community.”
In a letter to the congregation, Kol Ami’s President Brian Greenwald agreed.
“This is an exciting time for our community,” he said. “We are out of debt and on our way to a new beginning.”
Beginning in September, Kol Ami will rent space from All Souls Unitarian Church at 4501 Walnut, across from the Kemper Museum of Modern Art on the Country Club Plaza. In addition to regular Friday night worship and High Holy Day services, the congregation will also meet for worship, Torah study and Social Justice activities some Shabbat mornings each month. A full schedule of High Holy Day and Shabbat worship can be found on the congregation’s website, at www.kolamikc.com.
Over the summer, the congregation has shared Shabbat worship in members’ homes, public spaces and parks, which, according to Rabbi Alpert, has allowed the community to connect in new ways.
“It has been an absolute joy to see the warmth and energy of our worship,” Rabbi Alpert said, “with people opening up their homes to create special spiritual experiences and celebrate the bonds of a connected and committed community. Kol Ami members have also been working behind the scenes to get our communication up and running, to plan for the future of our worship, and to search for a new location that preserves our sense of an intimate and welcoming community without breaking our bank account.”
“Rabbi Alpert frequently uses the word ‘kehilah’ to describe Congregation Kol Ami, which is Hebrew for ‘community,’ said Greenwald. “But that word also seems to convey how the community feels, and this one feels really good. Letting go of our building was a difficult decision, but it was the right one. We’ve got a rabbi we love, we’re moving forward without debt, and we’re a vibrant community dedicated to joyfully exploring Jewish life together.”