FAQs

Congregation Kehilat Shalom is a haimish (homey), inclusive community where everyone belongs.

What can I expect when I visit CKS?

A warm welcome. At CKS, we greet everyone with genuine warmth and interest. You'll likely be welcomed by name on your second visit!

Accessible services. Our siddurim (prayer books) include full transliteration, making services accessible to Hebrew readers and non-readers alike.

Family-friendly atmosphere. We believe children are an integral part of our community. The sounds of children are the sounds of our future, and we welcome their participation and energy during services.

What does it mean that WE ARE Reconstructionist?

Reconstructionism serves as a bridge between Jewish tradition and contemporary Jewish life. At CKS, we value Jewish traditions and rituals while also believing in innovating and "reconstructing" those traditions so that Judaism continues to add meaning to our current lives.

We emphasize participation and community leadership, which translates into greater involvement in synagogue life. You'll notice some modest shifts in our liturgy (similar to those you might see in Reform congregations) that reflect our values, including an emphasis on shared humanity and our responsibility to repair the world.

Read more about our mission and philosophy.

How do WE welcome people who aren't Jewish?

Interfaith families are valued members of our community. Non-Jewish partners are invited to participate fully in synagogue life, including joining their Jewish family members on the bimah for honors such as aliyot. Our inclusive approach extends to synagogue governance—non-Jewish members lead congregational committees and serve on our board.

How do WE approach Jewish identity and patrilineal descent?

In keeping with the Reconstructionist Movement's position, affirmed since 1968, we recognize and embrace the Jewish identity of any and all individuals with at least one Jewish parent. As a result, a significant portion of our congregation are interfaith couples raising Jewish children, making them not the exception but a core part of our community.

Do I need to dress formally for services?

Not at all! We encourage you to come as you are. Whether you prefer a comfortable hoodie or more formal attire, what matters most is your presence, not what you're wearing.

What are OUR core values and culture?

Our community culture celebrates:

• Welcoming everyone as they are
• Creating a warm, positive environment
• LGBTQ+ inclusion and affirmation
• Economic accessibility
• Building meaningful connections where everyone knows your name
• Respecting diverse Jewish journeys
• Honoring the variety of cultural backgrounds that enrich our larger community
• Tikkun olam (“repairing the world”) to create a brighter future

We'd love to meet you! Join us for Shabbat services or one of our community events. For more information, please contact us at admin@ksnj.org or (908) 359-0420.