Frequently Asked Questions About Kavana

Kavana Basics

• When was Kavana founded?
• Kavana was founded in 2006. We're still a "start-up'" in many ways, but we think that’s half the fun.
• Where is Kavana located? Do you have a building?
• Kavana rents the spacious second floor of a church in Queen Anne (aka "Kavana World Headquarters")  Many Kavana programs happen in our space, but others continue in their previous locations – Living Room Learning is still in a living room, Coffee Shop Shabbat is still in a coffee shop, members’ homes are still warm and welcoming extensions of our community, and we still take advantage of the great Pacific Northwest outdoors when the weather permits.
• Is Kavana affiliated with a Jewish movement or organization?
• Kavana is an independent community. We’re interested in Judaism, not in movements. Our rabbi, Rachel Nussbaum, was ordained by the Jewish Theological Seminary, the rabbinical school of Conservative Judaism. Our partners and participants come from a very wide range of Jewish backgrounds.
• So what’s this cooperative thing all about?
• It’s about you shaping your own Judaism. We have a cooperative model and ask each partner to take an active role in creating Jewish experiences for the community.  We aim for everyone to be producers, rather than just consumers, of Jewish life.
• Is Kavana a synagogue? A community center? A school? A social club?  
• It’s a bit of each, sort of.  We're a community, and we offer many ways to connect with and explore Jewish identity (whether it's religiously, socially, culturally, etc.)
• How can I become a Kavana partner?  
• Step 1:  Come to a few events and see how it feels.  Step 2:  Arrange for a meeting with Rabbi Rachel Nussbaum, where you'll discuss what you're looking for in a Jewish community, and how you can contribute to Kavana.  Step 3:  You're in!  (Read the details on how to join, then contact us to get started.)

Is Kavana For Me?

• Am I too old/too young to participate in Kavana?
• We are mostly, but not exclusively, in our 20’s-40’s, with and without children. However, we are happy to welcome anyone at Kavana, regardless of age. Feel free to read more about who we are.
• Do I have to become a partner to participate?
• We warmly welcome repeat visitors, but you will likely be asked to help out in some way! Our cooperative model applies to all comers. And if you keep coming back, then you may just want to consider formalizing your relationship with our community by becoming a partner.
• Will I fit in if I’m Jewish but I don’t know a lot about Judaism?
• Pretty much everyone at Kavana wishes they knew more about Judaism, regardless of their Jewish background or education (and there’s quite a range among us). No matter how much you do or don’t know, you belong at Kavana. Still not sure? Learn more about who we are.
• Will I fit in if I do know a lot about Judaism?
• Yes, we definitely want you to join us. Kavana has partners and participants from a wide range of backgrounds, including people who went to Jewish day school, studied at a yeshiva, speak Hebrew, etc. The diversity adds to the richness of our community.
• Will I fit in if my partner isn’t Jewish, or if I’m not Jewish and my partner is?
• If you are interested in exploring and creating meaningful Jewish experiences, you should fit right in at Kavana, regardless of whether your partner (Jewish or not!) has the same interests. Our family programs for parents and kids are great for adults who weren't raised in a Jewish household and now want to learn and participate alongside their Jewish children.

Life at Kavana

• What if I just want to meet other Jews and I’m not into praying?
• Kavana aims to offers programs that are spiritually rewarding, intellectually satisfying, and fun.  If praying is not your thing, you’ll still find plenty to do (“spiritually rewarding” for some is a social justice program, for others a Kavana hike). Search our event calendar and see what strikes your fancy!
• What kind of learning programs does Kavana offer for adults?
• In addition to great programs for families and kids, Kavana has a strong focus on educational options for adults, from studying the weekly parasha (Torah portion) at Living Room Learning to discussing Jewish literature at our book club.  Find out more about learning at Kavana.
• If Kavana is not affiliated with a Jewish movement, what can I expect at prayer services?
• Great question, and the answer is: it depends. The Shabbat morning minyan is a traditional Hebrew service with a Torah reading. Kabbalat Shabbat services are a mix of Hebrew and English, as are most holiday services. All Kavana services are egalitarian, with women participating equally and everyone sitting together.
• Why is there a fee for many of Kavana’s programs?
• It costs money to do all that we do, and by paying program fees (and making contributions to Kavana), you help us cover those costs.