Also vist: EvS Web Site

Kehilla Emet v'Shalom in Nahariya is Israel's northernmost outpost of Progressive Judaism and is Nahariya's only non-orthodox congregation.  Nahariya, located on Israel's beautiful Mediterranean coast in the Western Galilee, between Acre and Rosh Hanikra, has a diverse population and a rich history. Now celebrating its 41th year, Emet v' Shalom was established in 1963 by a group of people, mainly immigrants from Germany and Central Europe, who sought a more liberal form of Judaism in Nahariya. In Nahariya, as in most of Israel, people generally view themselves as either religious or secular. Emet v'Shalom's Rabbi and members are sharing the experience of a progressive and inclusive approach to Judaism.

Emet v'Shalom's Rabbi
Rabbi Israel Horowitz joined Emet v'Shalom as of the High Holidays this past year 5764. He made aliya, with his wife Rachel, to Nahariya from his native Argentina on July 16, 2003. Rabbi Horowitz has a rich background as a Cantor and a Rabbi; he has been a Cantor for 38 years and a Rabbi for 16 years. He studied at the Seminario Rabbinico from Latin America, followed by studies with Rabbi Shmuel Avidor Hacohen and he was ordained by Rabbi Yehuda Edery. Rabbi Horowitz worked at Kehila Bnei Tikva in Buenos Aires for 17 years and at other large synagogues in Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil and Paraguay.  Additionally, he was ordained by the Council of Progressive Rabbis in Israel (MARAM).

Over the last several years appoximately 200 families from Argentina have settled in Nahariya and Rabbi Horowitz is a bridge between the Kehilla and the new immigrants.  As a professional spiritual leader Rabbi Horowitz is overseeing and expanding Emet v'Shalom's religious and community programs. 

Services and Programs
Emet v'Shalom holds services regularly on Friday nights, providing an opportunity for the whole family to be involved and feel welcome together. A core group of members takes turns assisting Rabbi Horowitz, presenting a sermon regarding the weekly Torah portion and providing the kiddush following services. Services are very spirited and Rabbi Horowitz with his cantorial background, has been introducing new tunes and musical accompaniment. A monthly shabbat morning service and Torah discussion has recently begun and the Kehilla holds special services and celebrations for all the holidays.

Emet v'Shalom is a community center offering Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Jewish tradition, conversion, Hebrew, bible, English and art classes for adults and children. Under Rabbi Horowitz's guidance a youth group of Argentinian adolescents and a support group for immigrant adults have both been initiated. 

Emet v'Shalom is reaching out to the entire Nahariya community. One of the local elementary schools will be sending their third and fourth grade classes to Emet v'Shalom for discussions with Rabbi Horowitz. The Kehilla organizes trips every few months and a bus is generally filled with synagogue members and new immigrants for each outing. Through the trips participants are able to absorb Israeli culture, history and geography.

Tikkun Olam
Tikkun Olam is an important aspect of Emet v'Shalom. For example, on Thursday nights (close to midnight to maintain privacy) some members participate in a project distributing food to needy families for shabbat. Our classes and programs provide an outlet for new immigrants, single parent families and others in difficult financial situations. We have provided an opportunity for youth to have a Bar/Bat mitzvah who otherwise would not have had a place or the means to have a Bar/Bat mitzvah and we look forward to increasing this activity.

Congregational Bulletin