Background
Kehilat Tzur Hadassah is a dynamic Reform synagogue, affiliated with the Israel Movement for Progressive (Reform) Judaism . We are located in the young, residential village of Tzur Hadassa, in the Judean Hills, 12 miles southwest of Jerusalem, sitting on Israel's "green-line"

The community of Tzur Hadassah currently has a population of 1,000 families and is undergoing a major expansion. Plans for the area include new developments in the surrounding Moshavim which will increase the population to 5000 families by 2009.

By establishing our congregation as the village of Tzur Haddassah grows, we hope to be able to attract new and young families that will be moving to the area. We have found that many of the existing families, in spite of their "secular" identification, do have an interest in learning about and getting involved in a progressive, egalitarian congregation such as ours.  Founded with just 4 familes in 1997, Kehilat Tzur Hadassa, today with over 80 member families, plays a leading role in the village of some 3,500 residents' social and cultural life.

• 1/4 of kindergarten classes are run by the "Kehilla"

• Our summer youth program is overbooked

• Our Rabbi, has been asked by the local elementary school to run workshops for girls who are Bat Mitzvah age

• And our holiday celebrations, like the Tu Bishvat Seder, attract hundreds of people.

Most of our members are Israeli-born, and yet we represent a cross section of Jewish-Israeli society with Olim (new immigrants) as well. Our synagogue is creating a new paradigm of liberal Jewish culture in Israel.

Kehilat Tzur Hadassah's spiritual leader is Ofer Sabath-Beit Halachmi, a graduate of Hebrew Union College in Jerusalem. He helps us to grow into a thriving and dynamic synagogue.

Our Meeting Place
In the first few years the congregation met in various locations including a bomb shelter or a sports hall.

In 1999 the local authorities allocated a lot for the purpose of building a reform synagogue. This was an unprecedented move by any local authority, basically giving some level of official recognition to Reform Judaism in Israel.

Our temporary home arrived just a week before Rosh Hashana 5761. Due to the Intifada and or proximity to the green line, in 2002 we moved to a central location in the village, providing us with a safer environment for our children and congregants

Our Meeting Place
In the first few years the congregation met in various locations including a bomb shelter or a sports hall.
 

In 1999 the local authorities allocated a lot for the purpose of building a reform synagogue. This was an unprecedented move by any local authority, basically giving some level of official recognition to Reform Judaism in Israel.

Our temporary home arrived just a week before Rosh Hashana 5761. Due to the Intifada and or proximity to the green line, in 2002 we moved to a central location in the village, providing us with a safer environment for our children and congregants.

Come visit this link to see some of the highlights including our dedication in Mid-January 2001 in our first location.

Photo Albums

Activities
Tikkun Olam (Social Action)
Tu Bishvat Seder 5760
Purim 5760

Congregational Bulletin