About Us
We are Kol Shalom
From our roots as a small chavurah in the 1980s, Congregation Kol Shalom has evolved into its present form as a congregation affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism, with our own building, a full-time Rabbi, Shabbat services every Saturday, a thriving Religious School, and a calendar full of events from adult education to social action to holiday celebrations. We currently have a membership of about 100 families, couples and individuals of diverse ages, backgrounds and experiences.
Our Mission
In fulfilling our mission:
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We embrace a rich diversity of families and individuals in our community.
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We are a center for Jewish worship.
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We are a center for religious education.
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We are stewards of Jewish tradition and heritage.
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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.
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We are a caring community, celebrating in times of joy, providing solace and support in times of sorrow.
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We provide opportunities for spiritual and personal growth and development.
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We nurture and support spiritual, educational, and organizational leadership.
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We meet our challenges with courage and humor, demonstrating flexibility and a commitment to grow and adapt.
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We support the State of Israel.
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We are financially viable.
To be a center for Jewish life, and a vital community for North Kitsap County
Meet
Our Rabbi
Rabbi Dario Feiguin
Rabbi Darío Feiguin and his wife, Yudi, joined Congregation Kol Shalom in November 2019.
With years of experience building dynamic Jewish communities in Argentina and Costa Rica, Darío and Yudi both bring fresh, exciting perspectives, joyful optimism and profound Jewish soul to our community.
Four months after Rabbi Darío joined Kol Shalom, COVID-19 put the entire congregation in quarantine. Unthwarted, Darío jumped in immediately to become a Zoom technocrat, a creative videographer of music videos, and a Rabbi of virtual services, holidays, B’nai Mitzvah and High Holy Days. With love and unflagging commitment, he keeps our community together in song, prayer, study and celebration.
Our community is blessed to have Rabbi Darío as our spiritual leader and teacher.
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1957, Rabbi Darío Feiguin is one of the disciples of Rabbi Marshall T. Meyer z”l, who ordained Rabbi Darío at the Seminario Rabínico Latinoamericano in 1983. Rabbi Darío has a BA in Jewish Thought, Education and Counseling, and a MA in Modern Jewish Philosophy with honors, both titles from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where he lived between 1976 and 1983.
Rabbi Darío worked as Rabbi Meyer’s assistant at Comunidad Bet El and as Director of Jewish Studies at Colegio Tarbut. With his wife, Yudi, and nine families he founded Comunidad Amijai, one of the most vibrant congregations in South America. In 2015 he moved to Costa Rica to serve as the Rabbi of Congregation B’nei Israel, the only non-Orthodox and inclusive congregation in the country. Rabbi Darío is also an experienced Cantor and Baal Koreh (Torah chanter), plays guitar and djembe, and loves to sing.
He directed more than fifty summer and winter camps and retreats, and co-directed Viajes de la Diversidad with Yudi, a project of ethnic, cultural and spiritual journeys, including Jewish heritage, to Asia, Africa and Israel. Rabbi Darío has deep experience working with interfaith groups and social action projects, and has published numerous articles in newspapers and magazines in Argentina and Costa Rica.
He was a soccer player and still likes to watch games, and loves to be in contact with nature. Yudi and Darío are proud parents of Adam and Lilach, who live in Argentina.
Meet
our leadership
The Board of Directors of Congregation Kol Shalom consists of up to 11 members, who serve three-year terms, elected by the congregation. The Board is responsible for managing the affairs of the congregation and working with the synagogue staff as well as volunteer committees. Open to the public, board meetings generally take place on the second Wednesday of each month.
President
Lori Weise
2018-2021
Lori is a Southern California native who enthusiastically relocated to Bainbridge Island with her husband Steve in December 2018 to be closer to their children and grandchildren in the Pacific Northwest. Lori was raised in a conservative synagogue, Beth Shalom in Whittier, California where her parents, Bert and Libby were active volunteers and Rabbi Joseph Smith was their neighbor. Bert regularly brought his tool bag to provide maintenance at the Synagogue while his children were in Hebrew School. Lori and her husband Steve and children were active at Beth Hillel in Studio City and Adat Ari El in North Hollywood. Lori worked in a variety of leadership positions in healthcare strategic, forecasting and business planning for 38+ years including 20 years at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles serving as Vice President, Strategic Planning and Business Development. She and Steve enjoy running, cooking and travel. Lori is particularly enjoying spending more time hiking, playing pickleball and sampling the wonderful community of Bainbridge Island. She serves on the Finance Committee of the Bainbridge Island Land Foundation and provides pro bono consulting services for non- profit organizations through the Seattle based 501 Commons.
Vice President
Carrie grew up on the East Coast, but relocated to Northern California in 1996. She and her husband purchased their home on Bainbridge Island in 2013, but took several years to retire and transition to life on the Island. Carrie retired from Johnson & Johnson in 2018, where she worked in a variety of leadership positions in their medical device businesses in California for the past 20+ years. As a member of Congregation Beth Emek, her previous synagogue in Pleasanton, CA, Carrie served in several leadership roles, including President, VP Finance, Treasurer, and Chair of the Caring Committee. Her Judaism is inseparably tied to Tikkun Olam and Gemilut Chasadim, which are embodied through her work as a Board member of WISER, a residential high school for girls in rural Kenya, and her involvement in STEM education. Carrie loves engaging in all of the outdoor activities available in the Pacific Northwest, especially boating, hiking and bicycling.
Carrie Arndt
2020-2023
Treasurer
Jonathan Liffgens
2018-2023
Jonathan and his wife Elaine arrived on Bainbridge Island in 2015 along with their two daughters, Maya and Serena. Jonathan spent his early years in the rural community of Woodstock, NY, in the Catskills, where he acquired a taste for the natural world as well as outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, spelunking and bicycling. He fulfilled a dream in 1981 when, after graduating college, he crossed the continental United States on his bicycle. Jonathan lived in Boston, Miami and Pittsburgh before eventually moving to Chicago to earn a Master of Architecture degree at the University of Illinois. He met Elaine, also a design professional, while working at the same architecture firm in Chicago and they were married shortly thereafter at the Spanish Synagogue in Prague. He practiced in Chicago primarily as a project architect on institutional healthcare and bio-medical research projects before establishing a solo practice as a residential and commercial architect. He and Elaine enjoy sailing, scuba-diving and world travel. Jonathan is an accomplished amateur photographer and has contributed his images to several journals, publications and exhibitions. He and Elaine joined Congregation Kol Shalom in 2016 and are both looking forward to serving the Bainbridge Island community in general and the CKS community in particular.
Secretary
Amy Michael
Bainbridge Island has been Amy’s home since 2005, when she moved from Minnesota with her spouse and young daughter, at the time desiring a return to the familiar Pacific Northwest region where she and her husband both grew up. Shortly after moving to Bainbridge, they became members of Congregation Kol Shalom, whose members and leadership have, since then, lovingly supported them through various life events, including the addition of two more children, a handful of harrowing medical crises, as well as the joyous Bat and Bar Mitzvahs of their oldest two children. As someone who did not grow up Jewish, Amy is grateful for the loving embrace, patience, and steadfast support of CKS and is excited to give back to its community. Professionally, she is an attorney who does editing work and assists organizations that advance Native American tribal treaty rights. She also volunteers at her kids' schools and helps with their various activities, at one time serving on the board of the Bainbridge Island Swim Club. When she has free time, she enjoys running and reading—separately, though, not together!
2021-2024
Director
Frank Commanday
2022-2025
Frank Commanday grew up in the Los Angeles area, attending Hebrew and religious school after public school, and shipping off to Jewish summer camps. His parents met in Israel in 1948 as American volunteers (“Machalniks”). Frank, at age 15, travelled to Israel on a 9-week trip with other teenagers. He spent a summer as a volunteer at Kibbutz Ein HaMifratz. Graduating high school, he returned to Israel to join the Ulpan language program at Kibbutz Na’an. Altogether, these experiences provided the groundwork for an evolving love and engagement in Jewish life and Israel. He pursued a biological science degree at UC San Diego and UC Santa Cruz, and a graduate degree in microbiology at UC Davis.
In Portland, Frank began a career in craft brewing and was an active member of Temple Sha’arie Torah and Chavurah Shalom. After living in San Francisco and Los Angeles, making beer and kombucha, Frank and his wife, Kathryn, returned to PNW in 2018 to settle on Bainbridge Island. Frank commutes daily to Seattle to make hard seltzer, and is delighted to participate in the Kol Shalom community, applying practical, musical, and Hebrew skills as needed.
Director
Rachel Cornette
2022-2025
Rachel Cornette grew up in Houston and left to serve in the Navy as a hospital corpsman. In boot camp, she became reengaged with her Judaism and later served as a Jewish Welfare Board appointed lay leader at multiple duty stations, as there are rarely rabbinic chaplains available to lead services. Later she became a vocalist for the Navy’s music program. She met her husband, Chris, at music school and eventually separated from active duty to pursue college and care for their two sons while he continued to serve. With both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Recreation Management, Rachel professionally and personally enjoys planning programs as well as coordinating opportunities for people to connect to themselves, others, and the great outdoors. Rachel has belonged to several congregations throughout the years and has enjoyed singing, serving on boards and committees, leading Tot Shabbat and teaching religious school. In 2018, after 16 moves in 3 decades, Rachel and family moved to Poulsbo. They plan on putting down roots here and she is thrilled to be able to marry her love of public service with her love of Judaism as a board member for Congregation Kol Shalom.
Having grown up in Southern California, Lisa moved to London to pursue a career in Classical Archaeology at the British Museum. After realizing that the scholastic life was not for her, she moved to Seattle and began working in film – starting as a PA and working her way up to Producer. Producing films and commercials brought her back to LA until meeting and marrying native Bainbridge Islander, Jeff Patricio and settling down in Kingston. Together they have two children, Joe and Lucy, who have both been Bar and Bat Mitzvahed at CKS. Lisa is the head of marketing operations at a startup CBD company on Bainbridge Island. Since joining CKS in 2012 she and her family have been active participants in congregational and Religious School activities. She is currently serving her second term on the board.
Director
Lisa Hope
2018-2023
Karen has lived on Bainbridge since 1984, living, working and raising a son (with husband John) in the Pacific Northwest ever since relocating here from Wisconsin. She grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia, where she was Bat Mitzvahed and Confirmed at Congregation Kenesseth Israel (KI). She has volunteered with numerous organizations and Boards on Bainbridge, and currently serves on the Board of Bainbridge Youth Services (BYS). She is self-employed as an employment and business attorney on the Island, working to help right wrongs. Karen serves as chair of the Social Justice Committee at CKS.
Director
Karen Klein
2021-2024
Julie and her family moved to Bainbridge Island from Seattle in 2020, and joined CKS in 2021. A former lawyer, she works on transportation infrastructure funding for a local government. She is honored to be supporting our region's Jewish community through serving on the CKS board.
Director
Julie Wilchins
2022-2024
Meet
OUR STAFF
Temple Administrator
Lynda Baker
Lynda is a Certified Professional Facilitator who has worked with individuals, teams and organizations in private business, education and government settings.
During her career she has served on a variety of boards of directors including Interfaith Action of Central Texas, Association of Talent Development Austin and the International Association of Facilitators among others.
She earned her B.A. in Liberal Arts and Education from Stony Brook University and her M.ED. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Illinois.
Religious School Director
Hilary Benson
Hilary Benson is an experienced school leader and teacher with over 20 years of in-classroom and program leadership experience, particularly in Montessori education.
She obtained her B.A. in Education from Bates College and M.ED in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Washington. Hilary and her husband Asaph and children Eli and Ari are long time active members of CKS particularly for the Religious School where Asaph served as chair and a member of the Board. Hilary brings her experience as an educator and school administrator as well as her love of Judaism to our CKS Religious School students.
Come work with us!
We're hiring both a part-time Administrative Director, and a part-time Religious School Director!
Please scroll down to see the Religious School Director job description below the Administrative Director description.
Administrative Director
[Posted May 16, 2023] We're seeking a part-time Administrative Director to collaborate with our Rabbi, Religious School Director, board, and volunteers! The Administrative Director serves as a friendly ambassador and communicator to our members and the greater community; and supports safety and smooth operations. This 16-hour-per-week position is in-person 3-4 days per week at our synagogue in the Fletcher Bay area of Bainbridge Island.
Duties
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Provide administrative support as needed to our Rabbi and Religious School Director, including program registration and communications.
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Respond to phone and email inquiries regarding events, membership, religious school, programs, facility maintenance, etc.
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Work with the bookkeeper and treasurer to process financial transactions and maintain sensitive financial information.
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Maintain website calendar, assist with production of weekly electronic bulletins.
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Maintain social media channels (Facebook, YouTube), and provide support for streamed events.
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General office duties such as organizing and maintaining files and membership information, ordering supplies, coordinating visits with vendors, coordinating mailings, preparing reports for board.
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Other administrative duties as assigned.
Preferred Qualifications
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Administrative experience
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Present a professional and positive image as a front-line representative.
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Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively with diverse membership, staff, and leadership.
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Self-starter with high standards of excellence; ability to prioritize and work efficiently, think creatively, solve problems, demonstrate initiative and sound judgment, communicate clearly and respectfully.
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Experience with / willingness to learn varied computer software and internet applications, including Microsoft Office suite, membership databases, email marketing platforms, website design, social media, and video-conferencing technology.
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General knowledge of Jewish practices, holidays, and customs, or willingness to learn quickly.
Environment
This job operates in a professional, in-person environment with an option for some hybrid work. The Administrative Director routinely uses standard office equipment, including a computer and office phone. The employee is generally required to spend extended periods of time sitting, typing, and working at a computer. Person must be able to stand, walk, and climb stairs. May require the ability to occasionally lift and transport items.
Reports to the President of the Board of Directors.
Salary: Range of $25 to $32 per hour depending on experience and qualifications. Position is 16 hours per week. Ability to set a flexible schedule within the parameters of a 3-to-4-day work week.
Opening Date: This position is available June 2023.
To apply: Please email a resume and a cover letter summarizing your interest in the position and relevant experience to Frank Commanday, President-Elect, Congregation Kol Shalom Board of Directors at frank.commanday@gmail.com. Applications will be reviewed on receipt, until a candidate is hired.
Commitment to Disability, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
CKS is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodation. CKS is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, or any other category protected by local, state, or federal laws.
Religious School Director
[Posted May 19, 2023] CKS is seeking an innovative, enthusiastic Reform Jewish Educator to serve as the part-time director of our religious school program . As the leader of our school, the Director cultivates a love of Jewish life and learning among our children and families. The Director will be responsible for running our religious school and helping to promote a culture of authentic hospitality, sacred care and ,connected community in interactions with fellow staff, congregants, and the greater community. The Director reports to the Rabbi and Religious School Committee Chair.
Responsibilities include:
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Foster excitement and enthusiasm for Jewish learning and community participation
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Oversee all aspects of the Religious School and Hebrew School including hiring and supervising staff, modifying Shalom Learning curriculum as needed, scheduling, budgeting, and obtaining necessary supplies and materials.
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Coordinate program to train high-school students as assistant teachers (Madrichim)
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Oversee creation and implementation of supplemental programs including family education, t’filah, opening day, all school programs, and holiday observances with support from our Rabbi and teaching staff.
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Partner with the Rabbi, Religious School Committee, and teachers on educational programming.
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Serve as a teacher.
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Communicate with parents, students, teachers, and the congregation.
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Attend meetings as needed
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Pursue their own professional, Jewish, and personal growth.
Preferred qualifications:
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Exhibit excellent time management, capacity to prioritize, and problem-solving skills
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Participate in the life of the Kitsap County and wider Jewish communities
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Experience with formal and/or informal education and/or Jewish youth programming, including Jewish camp
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Experience working with children with learning differences and behavior challenges
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Knowledge of Jewish practices, holidays, and customs
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Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, social media, and video conference technology
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B.A. or B.S.
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Ability to lead informal worship; song leading and ability to play guitar or other instruments is not required but a plus
Environment
This job operates in a professional, in-person or hybrid (in-person & remote) environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment, including a computer and a cell phone. The employee is generally required to spend extended periods of time sitting, typing, and working at a computer. Person must be able to stand, walk, and climb stairs when school is in session. May require the ability to occasionally lift and transport items.
Salary: $24,000 to $28,000, depending on experience and qualifications
Start Date: This position is available July 1, 2023.
To apply: Please email a resume and a cover letter summarizing your interest in the position and relevant experience to David Schor, Religious School Committee Chair at david.schor@gmail.com. Applications will be reviewed on receipt, until a candidate is hired.
Commitment to Disability, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
CKS is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodation. CKS is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, or any other category protected by local, state, or federal laws.