News & Announcements

MAY 25, 2020: Notwithstanding recent announcements purporting to order religious institutions to “open up,” Congregation Kol Ami will continue to put the lives, health and safety of our community first. We put the Jewish value of Pikuach Nefesh — saving human lives — at the forefront of all we do. We will continue to stay open virtually until, guided by medical experts, we deem it safe to gather together in person.

Message from the Rabbi about COVID-19

Dear Kol Ami Family,

While much about our world has changed dramatically in a very short amount of time, the close and connected sense of community that is Congregation Kol Ami has only grown stronger. I see it in the concern for one another’s welfare and in the need just to stay connected, albeit virtually.

Even without knowing when this life of social (really physical, not social) distancing will conclude, we are all looking forward to that day. We will mark the time by celebrating our coming together, all in the same place. In the meantime, we have discovered Zoom meetings as a way to stay in touch as a synagogue community.

While the technology is not perfect (or, speaking only for myself, the hosting of the virtual meetings may be a little challenging), we have discovered some real benefits from gathering on Zoom. I have been gratified and thankful that members of our community who cannot always get in a car and come to a service or Torah study can join in via Zoom. We are now able, for the first time at Kol Ami, to offer weekday-morning worship — another opportunity to stay connected — and to start off our day with a bit of prayer and a word or two of Torah.

Until we can be together face-to-face, please take the opportunity to participate via Zoom. As we seek to remain in good health and protect human lives — a sacred Jewish value — let not our physical distance lead to isolation. In addition to scheduled worship and study, make it a point to check in with each other, so that everyone can remain in community. 

If anyone needs some time to talk, I am always willing to do a one-on-one Zoom meeting.  

May everyone stay in good health, may healing come to our world soon — R’fuah Sh’leimah, a full and complete healing of body and spirit.

Rabbi Doug
Congregation Kol Ami-KC
816-510-4895
rabbidoug@kolamikc.org