Why affiliate with a Jewish Community?

Even in Paradise, it is not good to be alone. Yiddish proverb.

If you are looking at our website, you may have already decided to join a synagogue, but are asking yourself “which community is right for me?”  On the other hand, you may be grappling with the question “why join a synagogue at all?”  While there are tangible benefits to joining a synagogue (such as attending High Holy Day services, Religious School for your children, etc.), there is an intangible element to joining a synagogue that is even more important- by joining a synagogue, you are becoming part of a Jewish community. A Jewish community is a place that offers you a spiritual home, a place where you can learn and grow, and a place where you find friendship, support, comfort, acceptance and respect.

When you join Kesher Israel, you become part of our family - part of a support system, and a partner in creating a meaningful and engaging Jewish community. At Kesher Israel, our mission is to build sacred community with the tools of Jewish tradition. When each of us brings our special talents and gifts to our community, we create a community where our presence makes a difference, where we can discover or rediscover Judaism, where we can find life long friends, where we can make the world a better place, and where we can seek God’s presence.

It is never too soon, or too late, to become a part of the Jewish community. While we often think that synagogues are around to "teach Judaism" to our children (and we certainly do that!), there is so much more. We provide ongoing opportunities to study, experience, and enjoy being connected to a Jewish community. Even if your children are grown, or if you are single, we offer many programs just for you. We focus on community building, with Sisterhood, Men's Club, social events, adult education classes and programs, leadership opportunities, social action programs, and, of course, worship experiences. Our task is to enhance your connection with other Jews and your personal search for meaning, and to provide an engaging Jewish community in which to do so.

We will, of course, nudge you to celebrate with us on holidays, to educate your children in our Preschool and Religious School, to pursue adult learning, to volunteer your time, to support us and to live ethically in the world. In return, we will celebrate with you during happy times, our Mitzvah Corps will help when you are ill, our Chevra Kadisha will be there for you in times of loss, and our Rabbi will offer you his strength and guidance when you need it. That is Jewish community.

We hope you will decide to join us as we continue to build a sacred community with the tools of Jewish tradition right here in Chester County.

Hillel said: Do not separate yourself from the community... Pirkey Avot (Sayings of the Fathers) 2:5