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Who We Are
Kadima is a Progressive Reconstructionist Community integrating celebration, study, and work for social justice.
Founded in 1978, Kadima is the (U.S.) Northwest’s oldest progressive Jewish community and has been a trailblazer on many fronts. In accordance with the Jewish teachings of tikkun olam, “the obligation to repair and unite the world,” our founding principles promote:
- A commitment to social, economic, gender, and racial justice.
- The eradication of anti-Semitism and the right of all Jews to cultural, religious and political freedom.
- The survival of Israel as a Jewish nation based on its pursuit of democracy, pluralism, civil rights, equality and a peaceful co-existence for all
- Peace in the Middle East that includes the co-existence of an Israeli state and a Palestinian state.
Kadima welcomes members whose Jewish beliefs and practices span a spectrum from humanistic to theistic. Multicultural households are welcomed, including non-Jewish partners and family members, as well as single adults. Regardless of background, everyone is welcome and encouraged to celebrate and learn more about progressive Judaism. Kadima seeks to integrate a wide range of Jewish experience into its priorities, practices, and Holiday/Shabbat celebrations.
The Jewish education program includes twice-monthly Sunday school classes with an anti-bias curriculum for children 4-16 years old. The goal is to provide both children and adults with an excellent Jewish education in the context of a strong, supportive, and diverse community. Special emphasis is given to Jewish social ethics, the full inclusion of women’s experience, and mentoring for activism.
Bar and Bat mitzvah students participate in Judaic and Hebrew studies, mitzvah programs, and community building activities. Madrichim (adult mentors) work with students and families preparing for their bar/bat mitzvah ceremony. Kadima offers two Youth Group programs, for younger and for older teens. The youth share in fun, educational experiences, an annual youth retreat as well as counselor opportunities at Hebrew Summer Camp and the Middle East Peace Camp.
The Middle East Peace Camp (MEPC) was created jointly by Kadima in 2002 with others in Seattle’s Arab and Jewish communities. MEPC serves campers 5-12 years old, high school and college age counselors, as well as parents and adult supporters. MEPC offers a great experience of working toward peace through friendship and understanding.
Adult education at Kadima includes classes and bar/bat mitzvah preparation and conversion as well as one-time workshops, visiting lecturers and our annual Spring Retreat. Adult educational programs include explorations of progressive Judaism, spiritual development, and political activism. Opportunities for study are also part of Kadima’s groundbreaking Women’s Torah Project. Kadima is pleased to have commissioned this historic, first-ever Sefer Torah scribed by qualified soferot (female scribes).
Holiday celebrations and observations round out the offerings at Kadima. Members and our friends can participate in our High Holiday services and other holiday and Shabbat events throughout the year. Celebrating Judaism by practicing rituals across the spectrum, from profound to playful, allows us to connect with community members in a variety of ways as well as better understand ourselves and our heritage. Bar and Bat Mitzvah services are another way that we come together and celebrate our community.