Our History

Kadima, which means “forward” in Hebrew, 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 gays and lesbians, fair labor practices, and religious inclusion for Jews of all backgrounds.

As the founding members began establishing their families and having children, they founded the Kadima Community School (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 high-quality alternative education in an atmosphere of tolerance and diversity.

In 1994, the school and the organization merged to form one unified identity. Kadima is now the oldest progressive Jewish community in the Pacific Northwest.

Middle East Peace Camp, a joint venture with the Arab Center of Washington and Kay Bullit, was launched in the summer of 2002.

In 2003, the historic Kadima Women’s Torah Project began. The Women's Torah Project created the first sefer Torah written and embellished by an international community of women. The Torah was completed, sewn together in community, and celebrated in October 2010.

Kadima affiliatied with the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation in 2005, making Kadima the only Reconstructionist affiliate in Seattle.

In 2007, Kadima took up residence at Kadima House in north Seattle. Kadima House is the central location where most all of Kadima's activities and classes take place. Go to FAQ for the location of Kadima House.