The Chapel Hill Kehillah Synagogue is a warm, vibrant, growing community. Our members represent a variety of backgrounds and family lifestyles, and we extend a warm welcome to all, including traditional, interfaith, and gay/lesbian families and individuals. We share a common commitment to the values of inclusivity, egalitarianism, Jewish education, participation, social justice and community involvement. At our founding in 1996, we chose the Hebrew word for community, “Kehillah,” to signify our desire to build a vibrant center for Jewish life in Chapel Hill, one that would link individuals and families to a caring Jewish community.

We explore Jewish life with dedication and enthusiasm, as we strive to foster opportunities for personal and spiritual growth. We value our many occasions to bring community members together to celebrate holidays and traditions, rejoice in each other’s simchas, assist each other in times of need, learn together and participate in the life of the broader community through social action and interfaith events.

~ Kehillah Mission ~

The mission of the Chapel Hill Kehillah, a Reconstructionist congregation, is to create an inclusive and engaged Jewish community that inspires people’s lives and deepens Jewish involvement through Jewish celebration, worship, education, social action, and values.

~ Kehillah Values ~

1. Shivyoniyut (Egalitarianism): Egalitarianism
2. Reconstructionist value-based communal decision-making
3. Talmud Torah (Study of Jewish Teachings): Life-long Jewish learning
4. Simcha (Joy): Joy in Jewish practice and life
5. Gemilut Chasadim (Acts of Lovingkindness): Mutual care
6. Derech Eretz (Respect): Mutual respect
7. Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World): Social action and social justice
8. Tzedakah (Charity): Duty of righteous giving
9. Hishtatfut (Engagement): Engagement of our membership in all aspects of the life of our community
10. Kehillah: Community
11. Kedoshah: Holiness

 ~ Reconstructionism ~

We are affiliated with the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation, which offers a progressive approach to Jewish life that integrates a deep respect for tradition with contemporary social, intellectual, and spiritual insights. The Reconstructionist approach infuses our religious education, worship services, and governance. For more information on Reconstructionism, please visit the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation website, www.jrf.org. In addition, Rabbi Jen wrote an article for the local Menorah, in which she described Reconstructionism. To view the article, click here.

 

 ~ Kehillah in the News ~

Apr 2010. A bat mitzvah fished from the recycling bin

Mar 2010. Kehillah offers new 'song-ful' service

Mar 2010. Week is special for Jewish people, too

Mar 2010. Co-op offers Passover foods

Mar 2010. Community Dinner

Feb 2010. Organization Helps People Celebrate Passover

Mar 2009. Social Action & Social Justice

Jan 2009. In response to Madoff  

Dec 2009. Menorahs hold memories, history

Winter 2008. Toys for Pediatric Transplant Patients,

Nov 2008. Chapel Hill Kehillah Interfaith Social Justice Initiative