Meet US
Kol Hadash was founded in 2001 by 100 members of Congregation Beth Or, the first Humanistic Jewish congregation in the Chicago area. With roots dating back to 1965, we now have member families spanning three generations!
Kol Hadash is also one of approximately 30 Humanistic Jewish congregations affiliated with The Society for Humanistic Judaism (SHJ), which provides a national voice for the principles of Humanistic Judaism.
Our Rabbis
Our rabbis help us keep what is meaningful from our Jewish inheritance while being open to new ways of expressing Jewish connections that reflect our values.
Our Members
We joke that we are "like-minded people who don't think alike." All of us — single and married, LGBTQIA+ and straight, Jewish and multicultural, families with children and without — feel welcome at Kol Hadash.
Our Staff
Kol Hadash is welcoming to all individuals and families, firmly believing that everyone should celebrate who they are.
Innovative Membership Model
Membership in Kol Hadash is about meaning, not money. This is another example of how we live our values with consistency and integrity.
Open Governance
Any member who is active in a congregational program or project is encouraged to serve on the Steering Committee -- no nominations, elections, or expectations of donations.
Testimonials
Listen to the stories of our members’ journeys to Humanistic Judaism and their reflections on their experiences at Kol Hadash.
Our Partners
Our partner organizations reflect how we live what we believe through social action and community service.