Mission, Vision and Values

Mission

Kol Ami is an inclusive kehilah (community) that offers vibrant worship and modern Jewish experiences in and for the urban core.

Vision

Kol Ami aims to provide a nonjudgmental Jewish environment, in which people from a broad range of backgrounds can engage with God, with each other, and with the broader Kansas City community.

Values

Kol Ami principally values:

Inclusion

We welcome everyone interested in exploring Judaism – all ages, ethnicities, genders, and orientations; Jews by birth and by choice; singles, couples, and families, including interfaith relationships.

Continuity

We are keepers of a sacred trust, which each generation renews as it passes it on to the next. We explore and experiment, but always rest on the foundation of our shared Jewish tradition: one tree of life, with many ways.

Music

Song and instrument are at the heart of our spiritual and ritual expression. Our focus on congregational singing empowers everyone to share music as a pathway to Jewish worship, and we encourage and nurture the talents of our musicians and singers with opportunities for participation.

Social Engagement

We seek to repair the broken places in ourselves, each other and our neighbors, and bridge the gap between communities in Kansas City.

Presence

We are anchored in the central city and reach out from here to foster a community of people across the metropolitan area, committed to the health of the urban core and to the idea that Jews should be part of it.

Action

Jewish tradition tells us that Torah is not only to be studied but also to be lived. We steadfastly walk our talk, so that the power of words and the power in deeds stay aligned and feed each other.