Congregation Shaarei Kodesh in Boca Raton
Congregation Shaarei Kodesh is a sacred congregation in Boca Raton, Florida. They are an inclusive, egalitarian, and multi-generational congregation. In the past they have been involved in community service projects such as blood drives, food drives, and relief work from Hurricane Irma. Members of the congregation spend time after services to get to know one another and help members of the community with their needs.
They are very inclusive of all those who attend their events. They have a wide range of classes and sessions for people from all types of backgrounds, ages and interests, including newborns to elders, people with disabilities, and people from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
Congregation Shaarei Kodesh offers a variety of services to its members. These include religious school classes for different age groups, adult education classes, and family education classes.
The congregation also has a variety of programs for women and girls such as Women’s Shabbat Services, Ladies’ Minyan, and Girls’ Club. In addition to this they have programs for children such as Tot Shabbat on Friday mornings and Religious School on Sunday mornings.
The goal of Shaarei Kodesh is to make everyone feel comfortable. They are a traditional Jewish congregation welcoming to all people regardless of background, belief system, or denomination.
Shaarei Kodesh began gathering in people’s homes back in 2004 and has continued to do so up until today. The group was comprised of a group of dynamic families who had the vision of establishing a more intimate congregational experience.
After a few months of steady attendance, they were very happy to be able to announce they had found a new venue that was bigger and better suited for their needs. The Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County became their new home after the move.
Congregation Shaarei Kodesh made the next important step in 2008 when it amalgamated with Congregation Beth Tikvah. The move was an important part of its strategy to become a modern, progressive congregation that improves the quality of life for the residents of Highland Park and University Heights.
After years of leading his own congregation in Paramus, New Jersey, Rabbi David Baum joined Shaarei Kodesh in 2009 and has since revitalized the congregation. He is known for connecting with members of the at-risk community and for his innovative approach to learning about Jewish history.
Source: Shaarei Kodesh
Harlan Kilstein has been a Boca Resident since 1997. He know the ins and out of Boca
