Kehilat Hadar

Kehilat Hadar (Community of Praise) is an independent, egalitarian community devoted to spirited traditional prayer, study, and social action. As one of the new spiritual communities described in this book, Hadar presents a response both to denominationalism and to the traditional synagogue model. Led entirely by volunteers, Hadar has five gabbai’im, leaders who organize Shabbat services, and an impressive list of new Jewish expressions that have grown out of the Hadar vision. 

Hadar has quickly become a primary Jewish community for the majority of people who have encountered it. Its list of programs includes: Shavuot retreats annually for more than 300 people; twice-weekly Jewish education classes on Torah commentary and basic ritual skills; a CD of Hadar melodies sold in 25 states; a partner in NY Housing advocacy coalition; and a model for numerous other communities in Boston, DC, Berkeley, and other locals. 

Moving forward, Hadar is beginning to explore new venues that can host hundreds of worshippers and is transitioning to a full-service community organization for its members. To check out this new model of a prayer community, visit www.kehilathadar.org.