Learn what Kehillat Chaverim is all about on Shabbat Shirah, Feb. 4
When Kehillat Chaverim (Community of Friends) began in Far North Dallas it had a modest goal. The small group hoped to create a Shabbat morning davening community. Fast-forward almost 10 years later and they have accomplished that and more. It has grown to become an independent, egalitarian minyan offering weekly Shabbat morning and Yom Tov services, all in a relaxed lay-led atmosphere. The Kehillah, or KC as it’s affectionately called, meets in a private home on Crestland Avenue in Far North Dallas. Activities also include ongoing educational classes, Shabbat dinners, sisterhood and men’s programs and even creating a cookbook. With no staff or professional help the members serve as volunteers, be it as service leaders, Torah readers, preparing the weekly kosher Kiddush or delivering the D’var Torah.
Rebecca and Guy Bradley have generously made their home on Crestland Avenue available for Shabbat services and never looked back. A back room of their house contains an Aron Kodesh with 2 Torahs, a closetful of prayer books and space for a sit-down Kiddush lunch. Becca, currently serving as president, said, “The Kehillah is more than just a shul. It is my family. It is an honor to be a part of the community that fosters our members’ spiritual and social well-being.”
It is intentional that, during the Torah service, attendees can choose from one of three Chumashim in the KC library — from the Orthodox movement, the R.A. (Rabbinic Assembly) or the Union for Reform Judaism. These multiple sources available for Torah study embody the Kehillah’s belief that Judaism is unique to each person in a different way.
Rabbi Michele Sullum recently said, “I love being part of Kehillat Chaverim because it is so rare for a rabbi to find a congregation where they can step back from the role of spiritual leader and teacher to become a congregant and a student. At Kehillat Chaverim the Ahava Rabbah is not simply a prayer we sing, it is the ethos of our community. Walking through the door opens our hearts to the experience of Torah. In the sacred space we have created we are sharing our knowledge while being enlightened by the knowledge of others. We listen, we learn and we teach. In doing so we lift one another up and are uplifted, growing stronger as individual Jews and as a Jewish community.”
The Kehillah is ready to share their spiritual home with others and is planning a series of special programs as it celebrates its 10th anniversary. The Kehillah offers a small, intimate service full of ruach and comradeship. Guests are always welcome even if they belong to another shul. This group of families and singles, young and old, is opening its doors to share the experience. While guests can come any Shabbat all are encouraged to join on Feb. 4, Shabbat Shirah. Dr. Joel Roffman, a founding member and frequent service leader, will give the D’var Torah titled “The Crossing of the Sea: Activism, Optimism and ….”
A deluxe deli Kiddush lunch will follow.
For the Kehillah location and other details please contact president, Becca Bradley, at tribecca76@yahoo.com or cell 504-957-8969.
Tiferet Israel scholar-in-residence, Gil Hoffman
Israeli journalist and political correspondent currently serves as executive director of HonestReporting
Tiferet Israel welcomes Gil Hoffman as its scholar-in-residence on Feb. 17 and 18. Hoffman is an Israeli journalist and political correspondent who in 2022 became the executive director of HonestReporting which fights for Israel in the international mainstream and social media. From 1998 to 2022, he worked for the Jerusalem Post and served as their chief political correspondent. Hoffman will speak at dinner on Friday evening, on Saturday afternoon following services and on Saturday evening.
A frequent lecturer on Israel, Hoffman has spoken in every major English-speaking country in the world and in all 50 U.S. states. He makes regular appearances on international and local Israeli television programs and also teaches a course on journalism at the College of Management Academic Studies.
In 2022, the Algemeiner website named him one of the top 100 people positively influencing Jewish life.
Hoffman hosted the podcast “Inside Israel Today”onThe Land of Israel Network from 2017 to 2020. He hosted a podcast on “Voice of Israel” from 2014 to 2015.
Hoffman grew up outside of Chicago, where he attended high school at Ida Crown Jewish Academy and graduated magna cum laude from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. He has previously worked for the Miami Herald and the Arizona Republic. He made aliyah at age 22 in 1999. After immigrating to Israel, Hoffman served in an artillery unit with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and later served as a spokesperson for the IDF reserves. Hoffman currently resides in Israel with his wife and three children.
On Friday night, Feb. 17, Hoffman will speak at Shabbat dinner on “Peace, Politics and Plutonium: How Israel can Succeed on the Military and Media Battlefields.” Shabbat services start at 6 p.m. with dinner at about 7. The cost for the dinner is $26 per person. Sponsorships are available.
On Saturday morning, Feb. 18, Gil will speak following Shabbat services and Kiddush on “An Insider’s Look Behind the Scenes in the Israeli Corridors of Power.” Services start at 9:30 a.m. Kiddush lunch will be around noon. There is no charge for this event.
Saturday evening, Hoffman will speak on “In the Eye of the Media: The World’s Obsession with Israel.” Havdalah will start at 8 p.m. with the speaker following. Refreshments and coffee will be served. There is no charge for this event.
For details, registration and sponsorships, please visit
TiferetIsrael.org or call Tiferet Israel at 214-691-3611.
—Submitted by
Tiferet Israel