NEWS FROM OUR KEHILLA

In addition to working on bylaws, KSJ is working on envisioning what actions or activities it would like to put on the action agenda moving forward. At a 2/10/11 meeting of The Horizon Committee (previously known as the Activities and other things Kehilla would like to do Committee -- can you see why we changed the name? -- met to begin to flesh out key new areas for action.
There was general agreement that right now, the group does not want to take on creating another holiday celebration or event. Alternatively, it is interested in viewing Kehilla’s activities more holistically.

We asked what can we do to raise the profile (our voice) of Kehilla, get us “on the map” and fill a need not currently being addressed by our constituent groups. And how do we attract new members, especially underserved groups such as young adults?
Ideas poured forth!

Areas such as multi-group social justice/social action to foster community presence and identity, a better functioning website, creating a wiki page and/or Facebook page, having communal meetings and lectures on Secular Jewish Humanism were just some of the ideas which percolated. Also under consideration are a blog, better representation in the Jewish community and focusing on publication of articles penned by our members.

The group is anxiously awaiting word from The Sholom Aleichem Club’s Publication Committee to assess what help, if any, it can give Kehilla in creating a community wide newsletter.

Meanwhile, the members of the Kehilla committee (which is open to all members of our community) are ready to start experimenting with some of the implementing ideas put forth at the meeting.

With so many ideas, how does implementation begin? We decided that “off the shelf” projects would be a good way to start. Pursuing one or two projects at a time is contemplated with priority given to those projects which generate sufficient interest so that we have people ready to become involved with them.

Stay tuned as we investigate a Facebook page, an ad letting others know “we have arrived and we want you to join us”, a blog, and a focus group of young adults. We are also considering creating intergenerational geographically based “neighborhoods”, where we have a critical mass of interested members.

Join us at our next meeting at Tom and Beth Warms' house on April 14 @ 7:30 p.m.
For info, contact Barbara Halpern, 215-901-7363 or halpernlaw@comcast.net.