This Jewish community is open to Jews by birth, Jews by choice and their families.
Officially, Kerem Shalom is unaffiliated, but its philosophy and approach to Jewish life are closest to Reconstructionism. Kerem Shalom offers gender-neutral prayer books that include transliterations of all the Hebrew songs and prayers, along with accessible English translations and poetic interpretations of the traditional liturgy.
Leading the synagogue is Rabbi Michael Luckens, who has been at Kerem Shalom for over 30 years. Shabbat services for adults and families are held every Friday at 7:30 p.m. throughout the school year. During the summer, Kerem Shalom holds lay-led services on the first and third Fridays of the month.
Be sure to note that once a month the synagogue holds a mostly musical Shabbat service led by Hazan Rosalie Gerut. Kerem Shalom also holds a "Tot Shabbat" aimed at children from 0 to six years. Family Educator, Nancy Kaplan, holds this service once a month.
The synagogue also runs three youth groups that meet once a month: one for high school students, grades eight through twelve, another for grades six and seven and one for grades four and five. For those interested in attending Hebrew School, kindergarten students to seventh graders attend class once a week.