Kehila Chadasha

Kehila Chadasha is a progressive community whose focus includes celebration, study, intellectual curiosity, humaneness, mutual cooperation, openness, and the sense of Jewish Community. The community, founded in 1978, cherishes Jewish heritage, history, and traditions through a non-dogmatic approach. Kehila members feel comfortable with their beliefs and non-beliefs, welcoming the opportunity to freely explore, clarify, critique, and absorb new knowledge. It is a community of approximately 100 households. Each year Kehila welcomes several new households for membership. Those interested in our community are invited to attend different Kehila functions and other activities to get a well-rounded impression of the community. Please contact the membership chair for more information about upcoming events; see the Contact Us page for information or to send an email. Kehila is a member-directed community that relies on the active participation of members. Activities are planned, organized, and carried out by members working together. In addition to programs and celebrations for membership, Kehila welcomes non-member participation in two major programs each year: High Holiday services, and school. They offer services every year for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, the Jewish holy days, in an auditorium large enough for several hundred people. Tickets are available not only to members, but also to the greater community for a reasonable “suggested donation.” The Sunday School frequently has spaces available for students whose families are not Kehila members. David Shneyer is Kehila’s rabbi and spiritual leader. Sunday School is held at Bethesda Chevy Chase High School.