ABOUT US |
ABOUT US SHALOHA AND WELCOME Congregation Kona Beth Shalom (KBS) has a rich tradition of serving the Kona Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii for over 30 years. Although the largest island in the Hawaiian Island chain, the Big Island has a population of just over 200,000. While we estimate there are now over 1,000 Jews on the island, KBS has about 70 active annual memberships, including families and individuals. This Website is a good place to check out what is happening -- in the next few weeks. There are members who live on the island seasonally, while others are here in Kona year-round. We regard our congregation to be eclectic and unaffiliated, although our monthly services reflect teachings from the Reform and Conservative movement, with some influences of the Renewal movement, as well. We use a Siddur that was gifted to us by Rabbi Arnold Gluck of Temple Beth-El, Hillsborough, NJ. Members usually lead our Shabbat services; and, we are fortunate to have visiting rabbis and cantors. We always invite a special guest rabbi to lead us for High Holy Days. Our Torah scroll is between 250 and 350 years old and was rescued from the Holocaust. She was used by the Jewish community of Polna, Czechoslovakia before us. As you click around our site, you will experience the contributions of many people in our congregation. You can read about what our members do. Alas, some who has donated countless hours to our congregation, we now honor in memoriam with a Virtual Yahrzeit. (See: We Remember) You can read out about our highly lauded cookbook. KBS members can help you with a wide variety of everyday, vacation and special event resources. Some of our members are even in a local Klezmer band! We are proud of our newly revamped Hebrew and Torah School. (HATS, so named by participating children). We welcome you to join us. With all due respect, KBS is not your father's, your mother's or your Aunt Yetta's Jewish congregation! At KBS, each and every one of us makes a difference and shapes our diverse group. We are constantly evolving, but our roots remain are all about making a space that is homey, friendly and accessible to anyone who wants a Jewish experience in Kona. We are not complete without you. Feel free to contact me with questions, information or just to talk story. Congregation Kona Beth Shalom |
