Mission and History

Mission and History

Mission

Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick is an inclusive, Reform Jewish congregation that is family-focused, community-oriented, emphasizes spiritual and cultural identity, and dedicated to the Jewish education of all generations.

History

Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick was founded in 2003 by eight families who shared the common vision of creating a Reform Jewish congregation in Frederick County, Maryland. One of our early events was a Chocolate Passover Seder and we began having Friday Night Shabbat services in a neighborhood clubhouse. 

Kol Ami founded its Religious School in 2005 which began as a multi-grade, one-room classroom.  We hired our first student rabbi in 2005 who became our first full-time rabbi in 2007.  The Religious School grew and classes were offered from kindergarten through Confirmation. 

Rabbi Jennifer Weiner joined Kol Ami in July 2022 and has brought a new enthusiasm to our congregation encouraging broader participation across our membership.

Celebrating Congregation Kol Ami’s 20th Anniversary in 2023, we continue to be a strong, vibrant community representing diverse backgrounds and across the generations.  We currently meet at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation for Shabbat services and St. John’s Prep for Religious School.  We have a variety of active groups for all ages and interests; KATY – Kol Ami Temple Youth, Sisterhood and a Chesed Network to help congregants in times of need, to name a few.  Our High Holiday services, Sukkot celebration at The House in the Woods, Hanukkah party, Purim Carnival, and annual Second Night and Interfaith Seders, are greatly anticipated family events.  Kol Ami’s educational opportunities for adults include Torah Study and an Introduction to Judaism course and other classes are being planned for the future.  We have an active Social Action Committee to reach out to the broader Frederick community and the world.

Since our first organizational meeting on February 21, 2003, Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick is proud of all that we have accomplished and we are excited for the future. May we continue to go from strength to strength!

Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick is a member of the Union for Reform Judaism.