Kavana - Personalized Judaism in a Community Context

Vision:

Create an open AND intimate community dedicated to intentional Jewish living. In other words: to create a vibrant and constantly evolving pluralistic community in which Jews (as well as their non-Jewish partners) feel a part of a larger community, as well as a personal sense of ownership and accomplishment with their Jewish identity.

Kavana is a pluralistic Jewish community that facilitates the personal Jewish experiences of its partners. Kavana is not defined by what it does, but rather by how well the community helps its partners function as “producers” (rather than “consumers”) of Jewish life. We believe that the best way to achieve this mission is to build a cooperative community in which each partner makes a commitment to involvement and feels an obligation to the larger community.

Individually: Facilitate the exploration of individual Jewish journeys through high-level learning, spiritual seeking, and personal rabbinic consultation
Communally: Utilize a cooperative model in which everyone plays an active role
Universally: Put Jewish values into action through social justice work in Seattle and around the globe

…is the first Jewish cooperative community of its kind, in which partners share in the task of creating a diverse and exciting Jewish life for the group while also using the group’s resources to tend to their personal Jewish development.
… is like a “Hillel for adults”: a non-denominational/pluralistic Jewish community that allows for multiple entry points to Jewish involvement, through ritual, learning, and social justice.
…strives towards the goal of “personalized Judaism in a community context” by enabling partners to create Jewish practices that are spiritually fulfilling, intellectually satisfying, and fun; providing partners and their families with high-quality opportunities to learn; and facilitating partners taking action to improve the world in which we live.

Spirituality : We will provide the highest quality of spiritual programming through prayer, meditation, music, movement, dance, hiking, camping, and/or other activities that make us aware of a connection with God, creation, the environment, and/or our spiritual selves
Education : We will delve into the mysteries and intellectual depths of Judaism through traditional and contemporary Jewish texts, Jewish literature , film, art, music, movies, theater and any other sources that provide information and insight into our history and who we are today as individuals and as a people. We will vary delivery and venues to attract a broad range of learners.
Social Justice in Action : We will engage in social justice work in our community on behalf of Jews and non-Jews by linking with social service organizations to help provide services, expertise, and goods as a regular part of our mission. We believe that this will help us to understand international interconnectivity and help us to fulfill the mitzvah of Tikkun O’lam (repairing the world).
Next generational (kids & family): We will provide exciting, fun, and cutting edge programs for children and families. Programming will also focus on how to do Jewish at home with the family that will be appropriate for all levels of Jewish knowledge and experience.