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Kadima has commissioned the first Torah in history to be scribed
and completely embellished by women.
A grassroots Arab and Jewish coalition dedicated to embracing
our common humanity by empowering children and youth.
History
- Kadima, which means “forward”, was established in 1978 as a progressive political, social and cultural organization to work on “Tikkun Olam”, repairing the world, through social action projects. Kadima makes a strong connection between social activism, Jewish spiritual traditions and Jewish ethics.
- Kadima members were considered quite radical in the early days as they wrestled with issues such as peace in the Middle East, anti-Semitism, equal rights for gay and lesbians, fair labor practices and religious inclusion for Jews of all backgrounds.
- As the founding members began having children and establishing families of their own, they founded the Kadima Community School in 1987. Serving the need for Jewish education from preschool to high school to adults with a complete Hebrew and B’nei Mitzvah program, the school currently provides both children and adults with a high quality education in an atmosphere of tolerance and diversity.
- In 1994, the school and the organization merged to form one unified identity. Kadima now represents Seattle’s oldest progressive Jewish community.
- In 1997, Kadima began monthly Shabbat services led by staff and lay leaders. As the school and the programming expanded, so did the need for increased religious leadership.
- In the year 2000, Kadima hired its first rabbi.
- Middle East Peace Camp, a joint venture with the Arab Center of Washington and Kay Bullit, was launched the summer of 2002.
- In 2003, the historic Women’s Torah Project began. Kadima commissioned a women scribed torah—the first by a qualified soferet (woman scribe).
- 2005 marked the beginning of Kadima’s affiliation with the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation. Making Kadima the only Reconstructionist affiliate in Seattle.
- Taking advantage of not having its own building, Kadima holds religious and Shabbat services and holiday celebrations in various sites around Seattle. Committee, Chavurah, and Sunday School groups host these events that are brought to the members’ neighborhoods.
