Kol Am of Freehold Celebrates 10th Anniversary
Ten years ago, a group huddled around a kitchen table, contemplating the founding of a Reform Jewish congregation in Freehold Township to address the needs for a more relevant religious experience. This is when Congregation Kol Am of Freehold was born.
Over the years, the congregation has fostered a sense of community by nurturing a literate and socially active community and creating “Jewish memories” for the next generation, through its innovative programs and guidance by Rabbi Brooks Susman.
This week the congregation is preparing to celebrate its 10th anniversary with a weekend full of events.
The weekend kicks off with a truly innovative Rock Shabbat service, inspired and created by cantorial soloist Esther Krutzel and choir member Judi Thaw; utilizing the vocal and instrumental talents of the congregation; at the Clifton T. Barkalow Middle School on Friday, June 1st at 7:30 PM. The special Shabbat service is open to the public.
Congregation Kol Am will also be hosting a Saturday night, by invitation only event, featuring New Jersey’s funniest mom, comedienne Robyn Fox, the screening of a retrospective on the temple’s history , as well as various official proclamations.
The Tenth anniversary weekend festivities will conclude with a “Fun in the Park with Kol Am” open house event at Camp Topanemus. The event will feature games, contests, entertainment and barbecue delights as well as various displays depicting the Kol Am “experience” for prospective members. A suggested donation of $5 per person or $18 (“chai”) per family will be appreciated.
To learn more about Congregation Kol Am and its milestone anniversary events, call (732) 792-8000 or visit its web site at www.congregationklolam.org
Marc LeVine
10:46 am on Friday, June 1, 2012
Until we found Congregation Kol Am, my wife and I truly believed that all synagogues offered the same brand of heavy-handed religious observance. That is most likely because we both grew up having belonged to traditional conservative temples where everything was done in Hebrew and without any explanation/interpretation in English. The services also lacked any music or joy and - as children - we often sat in temple bored out of our minds and lost in the service.
As parents, we made the same mistake by sending our own children to a conservative synagogue like those we attended. As a result, they are now turned off to Judaism and religion, on the whole. Had we found Kol Am years ago that might not have been the case.
Kol Am is all about its wonderful progressive, liberal Rabbi Brooks Susman. He is simply "with it." He understands what our congregation needs and wants and he delivers it with great style andcharisma. That is why we often have a full house for Shabbat services on Friday nights. Everyone looks forward to attending. It is beautiful and relaxed; often outdoor among the beauty of plants and flowers of Calgo Gardens,
Those looking for something very different - even for reform Judaism - you really need to check out our temple. You'll be amazed by what you see and hear. There is no shame in religious service being interesting and fun. Ours is Judaism, American-style and presented for those of us living in the 21st century.