Am Kolel

Am Kolel is an independent Jewish community dedicated to Jewish renewal by addressing spiritual needs in a welcoming, inclusive manner and responding to issues facing society with a progressive Jewish presence. Am Kolel means “an inclusive people.” We celebrate the spiritual warmth of Judaism in a form that is joyful and personal. We reflect the ideals and principles of the Jewish Renewal Movement.
Am Kolel strives to fulfill these principles through our four branches: Am Kolel, The Havurah: We are a community where our members find fellowship, guidance and support for all life cycle events, birth through death. We celebrate Shabbat and holidays. We also offer opportunities for learning and community service/Tikkun Olam. Am Kolel, The Resource Center: As a Resource Center for our members and for the larger community, Am Kolel provides programs and guidance to individuals and institutions, both Jewish and non-Jewish, in the greater Washington DC area. We house a library of over 2,000 volumes and some 50 educational videos. Members and those taking classes from us are welcome to borrow these resources. Am Kolel, The Renewal Center: As a Renewal Center, we are devoted to the revitalization of Judaism and the Jewish community. We offer opportunities for individuals to rediscover and discover a Judaism that is spiritually and socially meaningful; a Judaism that speaks to the heart and also to the issues we face in our daily lives; a Judaism that is compassionate towards others and towards this earth. At the core of our philosophy of Jewish renewal is our commitment to Torah (learning, growing in wisdom), Avodah (service to God), and G’milut Chasadim (acts of loving-kindness) and Tikkun Olam (repairing the world). Am Kolel, The Retreat Center: Am Kolel Sanctuary is a spiritual retreat center in Western Montgomery County, Maryland. It is a place of natural beauty and serenity where individuals and groups can experience rest, relaxation and renewal. As an ecumenical retreat center, Sanctuary is used by groups and organizations from many faiths and service orientations, as well as by Am Kolel for monthly Shabbat services, Jewish Renewal weekends and other special holiday celebrations. Sanctuary is also a perfect venue for life cycle celebrations and family gatherings. Am Kolel also administers the Network of Independent Jewish Communities and Havurot of DC, VA & MD. We are members of Aleph: Alliance for Jewish Renewal; the National Havurah Committee; the Community Ministry of Montgomery County [CMMC]; Montgomery Countryside Alliance and The Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington. Am Kolel programs build upon our three pillars: Torah, Avodah and G’milut Chasadim/Tikkun Olam.