The mission of Coastside
Jewish Community is to provide and sustain a community
for Jews and their loved ones who are seeking a place for
unique yet traditional Jewish spiritual and cultural expression.
We strive to be inclusive, welcoming, and to embrace the diversity
of people from a wide range of Jewish backgrounds.
Our liturgy, music and ritual practice draw deeply from
Judaism's rich spiritual heritage, while infusing tradition
with new meaning.
The following is a summary of our
shared values and kavannot (intentions) as a community,
which informs our vision of who we are and how we grow together:
- Acceptance/non-judgment
- A clear and shared sense of identity that reflects our
commitment to education, spirituality, Jewish/Coastside
culture, community and relationships
- Connected to the tradition while also being innovative
- Many ways to connect with the Divine and with each other,
particularly through music and lifecycle events
- A shared desire to be together and honor the importance
of our interdependent wholeness
- Tikkun Olam and Social Justice
- Bikkur Cholim and Gemilut Chasadim (acts of loving kindness)
- Supporting each other in times of joy as well as in
difficult times
- Cultivating a Jewish spiritual practice as individuals,
families, and as a community
- Promoting future and continuation of Judaism and Jewish
values
- Education for children, adults and families
- Hachnasat Orchim -hospitality and welcoming
- Including our children as an integral part of our community
- Outreach and inclusion for interfaith couples and families,
LGBT families, single parents and people considering conversion
or returning to Judaism
- Building relationships with the larger Coastside community,
especially other faith communities, and with the greater
Jewish community on the Peninsula and Bay area-wide
- Creating regular opportunities for dialogue about issues
of interest and concern to the community
- Encouraging lay leadership in all aspects of community
life, working in partnership with our clergy
- Full participation in the life of the congregation by
the members, reflecting our belief that we are a community
with many gifts to offer, where we all teach and learn
from one another
- Cultivating a sense of Jewish ethics, values and spirituality
that respect a wide spectrum of theologies and practices
Understanding
you, the community, is part of the CJC mission.
In 2005, we surveyed the community, composed largely of
CJC members and to a lesser degree, participating non-members.
Overall, satisfaction with the programs and offerings,
especially the clergy, was found to be very high.
In January 2006, the data was compiled into a slide presentation
available to members. The data is being used as a baseline
to inform the leadership about future programs and directions.
To receive the file or ask questions, please email: coastsidejewishcommunity@yahoo.com
