Background
Congregation Kol Shalom had its beginnings as a chavurah in 1980. In 1998, we became an affiliated congregation of the Union for Reform Judaism/URJ. We currently have a membership of about 70 families and individuals of diverse ages, backgrounds, and experiences.

Mission of Congregation Kol Shalom
We are a center for Jewish life, and a vital community for North Kitsap County.

In fulfilling our mission:
• We embrace a rich diversity of families and individuals in our community.
• We are a center for Jewish worship.
• We are a center for religious education.
• We are stewards of Jewish tradition and heritage.
• We are a caring community, celebrating in times of joy, providing solace and support in times of sorrow.
• We exemplify the Jewish values of Tikkun Olam (Healing the World) and Gemilut Chasadim (Deeds of Loving-Kindness) to serve our community and work towards social justice.
• We provide opportunities for spiritual and personal growth and development.
• We nurture and support spiritual, educational, and organizational leadership.
• We meet our challenges with courage and humor, demonstrating flexibility and a commitment to grow and adapt.
• We support the State of Israel.
• We are financially viable.

Worship
Shabbat and holiday services are led by Rabbi Mark Glickman. Shabbat services are to be joyous celebrations in keeping with the spirit of Shabbat and Reform Judaism. All of our services are conducted in Hebrew and English, with transliterations for most of the Hebrew portions. We encourage all of our congregants including children of all ages to attend services. We want our children to remember services as a time when they come together with other Jewish children, learn to worship, and have fun in the process.

Physical Space
The physical centers of Judaism are the synagogue and the home. A synagogue provides a public home to gather, study, and worship. It is a beacon to Jews looking to join with others or simply for a place of worship. Congregation Kol Shalom purchased a beautiful new home in 2005. These buildings, consisting of a spacious, light-filled sanctuary and a separate religious school building, are surrounded by gardens and trees, which encourage members and visitors to linger and enjoy the beauty of our natural environment.

Community Involvement
Kol Shalom feels strongly about the mission of Tikkun Olam (Healing the World), and members engage in a variety of projects to support our community and the world. Recent projects have included support for Helpline House (diaper drive and Project Wishbone), cooking for Super Supper dinners, and providing meals and warm clothing to people experiencing homelessness in Seattle. Our school children also learn the value of tzedakah (charity) through a variety of community projects.

Volunteer Opportunities
Our own community relies on its membership to make it run. We have a small staff, which includes our Rabbi, Cantorial Soloist, Religious School Director and Temple Administrator. Therefore, most functions are performed by volunteers. The community is led by a Board of Directors who rely on the work done by various committees. Committees include membership, mitzvah corps, religious practices, cemetery, and fundraising. Other volunteers tend the gardens, provide childcare, cook for community members in need, and organize cultural activities. No matter what your interests, we welcome your involvement!

Membership
Congregation Kol Shalom welcomes all who are interested in Reform Judaism to join our community. Our diverse membership includes older couples whose children are grown, younger couples who are just starting their families, many families with school-age children, widows and widowers, single parents, single adults, long-time residents of the Northwest, newcomers to the area and interfaith couples. Click here to join.