Kol Shalom marks 15 years of Humanistic Judaism here

By POLINA OLSEN

article created on: 2008-12-01T00:00:00

When Kol Shalom President Roberta Hellman spoke at the congregation’s 15th anniversary celebration, she noted the Community for Humanistic Judaism had not only survived, but also thrived. Held Nov. 21 at the Mittleman Jewish Community Center, the event drew more than 70 people and focused on the group’s history and emphasis on social action.

Members describe Kol Shalom as “a place and a way to celebrate our Jewish connection without requiring belief in a supernatural being.”

Founded by Jane Goldhamer in 1993, the community now includes 62 households. They celebrate holidays, offer children’s education and have lay-led services.

Muriel Adler, a congregation founder, moved to Portland with her husband 19 years ago.

“We wanted to connect with the Jewish community,” she said.
When she heard about a humanistic group starting, she felt it was the perfect fit.

“Humanistic Judaism is humanistic not theistic,” she said. “I have a great love for Judaism, but I did not love the ritual that involved prayer.”

Other members spoke enthusiastically about Kol Shalom’s mission. Lindsay Fink, 14, attended Portland Jewish Academy through fifth grade but her family didn’t belong to a congregation. She wanted a bat mitzvah, so they joined Kol Shalom where she went through the Hebrew school program. Fink enjoys the community’s informality and “the aspect of Humanistic Judaism that you go out and help the world.”

Elissa Burian escaped Hitler when she joined her uncle in the United States.
“I was assimilated in Czechoslovakia,” she said. “We didn’t practice religion just the food.”

But when she joined the Ethical Culture Society, she felt she was denying her heritage.

“Believing that human beings can make a difference is paramount in Humanistic Judaism,” she said. “And, I’ve made wonderful friends.”

Everyone enjoyed the vegetarian oneg of stuffed grape leaves, cheese and fruit. A large birthday cake read “Happy 15th Anniversary Kol Shalom.” Janet Guggenheim, a Kol Shalom member and former accompanist to Yitzhak Pearlman, played classical selections with violinist Carol Sindell. The Music Makers, Kol Shalom’s own chorus, sang Israeli songs.

When Jewish Federation of Greater Portland Executive Vice President Charles Schiffman spoke, he congratulated the group on their success. He called Kol Shalom an “oasis in time and space where thought and serenity and contemplation could prevail, and a place where honest wrestling with one’s self and with the Infinite could take place.”

Both concepts, he said, were highly Jewish and essential to a balanced and productive life.

For more information about Kol Shalom, call 503-459-4210 or visit www.kolshalom.org.