FAQ

So, what do you guys stand for?

The mission of Keneseth Israel Congregation is to provide a warm and spiritually nurturing environment in order to fulfill our religious, educational, and social needs. We strive to create a community that is committed to living the teachings and principles of Judaism within a traditional Conservative framework that is inclusive to all members.

Who comes to KI?

All kinds of people: women, men, young, old, secular, Israeli, more traditional Jews, less traditional Jews, babies, rabbis, seekers, and the perplexed.

What are your services like?

Check out our Shabbat Services page for a detailed breakdown of our services.

What other events do you hold?

We hold all kinds of events! Check out our upcoming events on our home page.

On holidays, we often hold special events – megillah readings, sukkah gatherings, festival seudot (meals), and hamantaschen baking and house parties.

Who are these people leading services? Who gets to have an aliyah?

Volunteers like you. You can get in touch with Cantor Hordes and ask to get involved at shordes@kenesethisrael.com.

I am not familiar with all the melodies KI uses. How can I learn them?

We have a CD of Cantor Hordes singing our Shabbat melodies – head on over to Cantor Hordes’ music page to listen to these songs.

Is KI Conservative?

While we are a Conservative synagogue, our community is made of members who grew up in different movements. We strive to be a pluralistic community where Jews of all stripes and backgrounds can feel comfortable. We hold the standards for kashrut and liturgy high to accommodate strictly observant members of the community, and we also incorporate many of the progressive practices of contemporary Jewish communities.

Are you LGBT-friendly?

Yes. The LGBT community is a welcome and involved part of KI.

Are you egalitarian?

Yes. Men and women share responsibilities in leading services, leyning Torah and so forth.

Are interfaith couples welcome?

Yes. We have many interfaith families at KI, and they are very much part of our family.

Do you keep kosher?

Food served at KI events is prepared in our kosher kitchens, and not cooked or carried on Shabbat.

How does KI support itself?

Great question! Members of the community make donations and pay dues, which enable us to pay our bills, pay our clergy and staff, purchase food, and so on. You can learn more about membership here.

All donations are welcome. KI is a 501(c)3 and donations are tax deductible.

If you’d like to make a donation, you can do so online by clicking here , or (better – no processing fees for us!) you can mail checks made out to Keneseth Israel to:

Keneseth Israel Congregation
2531 Taylorsville Road
Louisville, KY 40205

I need some assistance or counseling, is there someone I can talk to?

Our rabbi and cantor are available to help serve the needs of community members who are sick, grieving, interested in spiritual/pastoral/religious counseling, in need of a special minyan, or simply going through a tough time. Please contact Rabbi Freed at rabbi@kenesethisrael.com or Cantor Hordes at shordes@kenesethisrael.com.

In the event that KI is not equipped to meet the needs of a community member, confidential referrals to Jewish Family Service and other services can be made. We have relationships with other local organizations that provide intensive, longer-term social service, mental health, and pastoral counseling and care.

What prayerbook do you use?

We use Siddur Lev Shalem.

I don’t know anyone at KI — how can I meet people?

KI is a very warm and friendly community – we’d love to meet you! We can help ease your way in – let us know ahead of time that you’re coming to a service or one of our events, or if you’d like to join someone for a Shabbat dinner. Contact Yonatan at yyussman@kenesethisrael.com.

Also, be sure to join the KI mailing list and you will receive announcements about upcoming events and programs.

How can I join the mailing list?

Easy, there’s a sign-up towards the bottom of our home page. You will receive 4 or 5 emails a month reminding the community about upcoming events. You can also remove yourself from the list anytime you like.

I have spots at my dinner table and would like to invite some KI attendees. How do I do that?

Awesome. We love that. Send an email right now – don’t wait – to Yonatan at yyussman@kenesethisrael.com.

I have a question that wasn’t answered here. Who can I ask?

Yonatan will be happy to try to help you out. Drop him a note at yyussman@kenesethisrael.com.