Business Details
39 Years
experience
Welcome to Kol Hadash: A Humanistic Jewish Community
Kol Hadash is a Northern California community dedicated to Humanistic Judaism, founded in 1987 by Holocaust survivor Roy Calder. We provide a welcoming space for individuals born Jewish, those who choose Judaism, and curious learners to explore Jewish culture and traditions through a human-centered lens. Our programs emphasize Jewish literacy, cultural preservation, and ethical living grounded in reason and tolerance. We celebrate holidays and life cycle events that merge Jewish heritage with humanist values, fostering inclusivity and social justice. As part of the Society for Humanistic Judaism, we uphold radical inclusion and community-driven practices.Our members hail from diverse Jewish backgrounds and global origins, united by shared values of intellectual freedom and compassionate connection. We offer both virtual and in-person gatherings, including Shabbat observances, Passover seders, and educational workshops. Our mission prioritizes cultural continuity while respecting individual autonomy, ensuring traditions evolve alongside human progress. With decades of collective experience, we remain committed to nurturing future generations through joyful, meaningful engagement with Jewish identity.
Services
Cultural Programs
Holiday Celebrations
Educational Workshops
Life Cycle Events
Community Gatherings
Ethical Living Initiatives
Intergenerational Activities
Social Justice Projects
Humanist Rituals
Jewish Literacy Courses
Details
- Year established: 1987
Highlights and features
- We offer 35+ years of experience in cultural Jewish education and community building
- Our programs uniquely combine Jewish traditions with humanist values and ethical living
- We provide inclusive, non-dogmatic spaces for diverse Jewish identities and backgrounds
- As part of the Society for Humanistic Judaism, we connect to a broader progressive network
- Our members include Holocaust survivors, converts, and multi-generational Jewish families
Services
Cultural Programs
Our cultural programs explore Jewish heritage through historical, literary, and artistic lenses. Participants engage in discussions about Jewish identity, ethics, and contemporary issues while connecting with tradition in meaningful ways. These programs emphasize critical thinking and personal interpretation.
Holiday Celebrations
We observe major Jewish holidays like Passover, Rosh Hashanah, and Chanukah with inclusive, non-theistic ceremonies. Our celebrations focus on cultural significance, communal singing, and modern interpretations that honor tradition while embracing progressive values.
Educational Workshops
Interactive workshops cover topics ranging from Jewish history to ethical decision-making. These sessions encourage intellectual exploration and provide tools for applying Jewish values to contemporary challenges through a humanist framework.
Life Cycle Events
We create personalized ceremonies for births, bar/bat mitzvahs, weddings, and memorials that reflect humanist values. These events honor tradition while emphasizing personal meaning and community connection.
Community Gatherings
Regular meetups include Shabbat dinners, discussion groups, and social action projects. These gatherings foster connection through shared meals, intellectual exchange, and collaborative efforts to promote social justice in our community.
People
Roy Calder
Founder
Holocaust survivor Roy Calder established Kol Hadash in 1987 to create a Jewish community centered on cultural identity rather than religious doctrine. His vision emphasized human dignity, critical thinking, and ethical responsibility.
Sherwin T. Wine
Movement Founder
Rabbi Sherwin Wine founded Humanistic Judaism in 1963, creating a nontheistic denomination that celebrates Jewish culture as a human-centered tradition. His philosophy continues to influence Kol Hadash's approach to Jewish identity.
Alyza Salomon
Acting President
Alyza Salomon serves as Acting President, guiding Kol Hadash's operations and community engagement. With extensive experience in Jewish communal leadership, she ensures continuity of our humanist values and cultural programs.
Robyn Raymer
Vice President
Robyn Raymer, Vice President, oversees program development and member relations. Her background in education and community organizing strengthens Kol Hadash's commitment to inclusive, meaningful Jewish cultural experiences.
Alana Shindler
Acting Treasurer
Acting Treasurer Alana Shindler manages financial operations while maintaining our nonprofit's transparency and accountability. Her financial expertise supports Kol Hadash's long-term sustainability and community-focused mission.
Questions
What is Kol Hadash?
Kol Hadash is a Northern California community for Humanistic Judaism, celebrating Jewish culture and traditions without religious dogma since 1987.
What services do you offer?
We provide holiday celebrations, educational programs, life cycle events, and community gatherings that combine Jewish traditions with humanist values.
Are events in-person or online?
We offer both virtual Zoom programs and in-person events at locations in Albany and Berkeley, California.
How can I join your community?
Visit our website to explore membership options, attend events, or contact us directly for more information about joining Kol Hadash.
What makes your organization unique?
We uniquely blend Jewish cultural traditions with humanist principles, welcoming diverse backgrounds while emphasizing ethical living and social justice.
