Today is March 19, 2024 /

Main Office: 215-635-3110

Find Us: 8231 Old York Rd., Elkins Park, PA (part of Beth Sholom campus)

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About Membership

Our Own “Cheers”

Congregation Kol Ami, an intimate and dynamic reform synagogue in Elkins Park, is like the “Cheers” of synagogues – a community where everyone knows your name. At Kol Ami your presence is felt and your absence is missed.

What Draws People to Kol Ami?

Who Joins Kol Ami?

Our members live in Elkins Park, Melrose Park, Cheltenham, Jenkintown, Rydal, Meadowbrook, Abington, Huntingdon Valley, Upper Dublin, Lower Moreland, Montgomeryville, Chestnut Hill, Mt. Airy, and even Center City and Cherry Hill. Some of our members drive a surprisingly long distance because spending time at Kol Ami is like arriving home… away from home.

We have spiritual, social and educational programs that are geared toward:

  • Families
  • Adults
  • Esteemed elders
  • Interfaith families
  • Children of all ages
  • LGBTQ people

Programs

Here is just a sampling of what we offer:

  • Adult and Family Shabbat services
  • Adult and Student Choirs
  • Adult B’nai Mitzvah study
  • Adult softball team
  • Adult speakers and classes
  • Art shows and concerts
  • Casino Night
  • Congregational Seder
  • CSA with locally grown produce
  • Family Bingo Night
  • Family Camp Weekend
  • Golf Outing
  • Holiday celebrations
  • Social action activities
  • Socials for “Ladies of a Certain Age” (50–70)
  • Spiritual Exploration
  • Young Marrieds/Young Families social events (ISH)
  • Youth Groups
  • And much more!

For more details, click on Life at Kol Ami and Social Action (Green Initiatives).

We Cherish Interfaith Families

At Kol Ami, we understand that choosing a synagogue can be particularly difficult for interfaith families.  Interfaith families are welcome here.  In fact, they make up about one-third of our congregation.

Our commitment to welcoming interfaith members might best be recognized by the two spots on our Board of Trustees designated for the non-Jewish partner in interfaith families.

At Kol Ami, we never pressure a non-Jewish spouse to convert; we do provide as much Jewish education and explanation as is desired by the individual.  Interfaith families are cherished and encouraged to participate fully in synagogue life, including worship.

The non-Jewish spouse plays an integral role in their child’s B’nai Mitzvah service, and we welcome involvement in the service by non-Jewish family members.  Throughout all of our services, our rabbi is sensitive to the needs of the non-Jewish synagogue guests, and provides instructions to ensure everyone understands what is going on and can join in.

Our rabbi officiates in interfaith weddings of members and non-members.

Through our Interfaith Relationship Dialogue, interfaith couples regularly meet as a group with our rabbi for educational exploration and to socialize.  These intimate gatherings offer a space to discuss child-rearing, extended family dynamics, holidays and much more.