Congregation Kehillah (CK) is an independent synagogue located in Cave Creek and conveniently located to those living in Cave Creek as well as Carefree. Rabbi Bonnie Sharfman has led the synagogue since 2008 when seven individuals were hungry for new, different ways to explore Judaism. After being “wondering Jews in the Desert” CK found our Dynamite new home in Cave Creek in 2018. Our membership consists of congregants from all over metro Phoenix.
Congregation Kehillah a small, dynamic friendly synagogue offering services and programming for all ages. The purpose of CK is to provide a “Community” (Kehillah means community) for Jews and their spouses/partners and families to come together for purposes of fostering their Jewish identity, living Jewishly, pursuing social justice and engaging in learning, all within a nurturing environment, more personal than institutional, designed to promote spirituality, connection and respect for the needs of others.
YEP!, our Youth Education Program, is fun, educational, and creative – children (and parents) love it. YEP! is tuition free for CK member families. YEP! begins in Kindergarten and continues through High School. The High School aged students participate in our Tzedek Teen Initiative, which is a philanthropic leadership program to learn about how to be better leaders and activists in the Jewish and Greater Phoenix communities.
MOK (Men of Kehillah) meet monthly for dinner and discuss ways to help out at the synagogue as well as assist congregants with physical needs. The WNO (Women’s Night Out) holds dinners as well and are active participants in our Social Action efforts.
Rabbi Sharfman leads our congregation with her heart and compassion. During the last few years, Rabbi and her team worked tirelessly to create meaningful High Holy Days, Kabbalat Shabbat, B’nai Mitzvah, Baby Namings, Memorial Services, Shivas and learning experiences for all ages remotely. This was a monumental task, yet our synagogue continues to thrive. We offer in-person services for members as well as multi-access. Being a smaller congregation allows Rabbi Sharfman the ability to know each and every one of her congregants and give them the special attention they may need at any given time.
Rabbi Sharfman is currently in her second term as President of the Board of Rabbis. She also is active in interfaith work and serves as Vice President of the Arizona Faith Network. Two of Rabbi Sharfman’s special projects were: she was the visionary founder of Pardes Jewish Day School and instrumental in the establishment of the Jewish Community Relations Council where she serves as Vice Chair.
We are a growing, inclusive congregation where you can find a home and community! Kehillah means community and we welcome you to come visit us soon!
