Congregation Kol Ami Celebrates 90 Years

This year marks an historic occasion for Congregation Kol Ami as they celebrate their 90th year. Congregation Kol Ami (then known as The Jewish Community Center of White Plains) was founded in August 1923, in a period of economic recovery from World War I when women were given the right to vote. From its inception the synagogue has been rooted in torah, worship and acts of loving kindness and has been a foundation of progressive Jewish presence in Westchester County ever since.

The synagogue was founded in 1921 when two boys, Robert Stein and Martin Barbe, asked their moms if they could have religious instruction, similar to their Christian schoolmates. By the spring of 1922, 11 families with a total of 30 children pledged $100 each to defray expenses. Now called Congregation Kol Ami, "the voice of my people," the congregation has almost 800 member families. Kol Ami is a voice of creative Judaism that provides contemporary meaning to traditional Jewish values and teachings. "We have made real the world we believe in, a place where we are celebrated in our joys, comforted in our sorrows and supported in our spiritual journeys" says Rabbi Shira Milgrom.

The 90th celebration will culminate in a 90th Anniversary Gala Weekend. Lori Abrams, co-chair of the event says, " We honor the people who had the foresight and the strength to build an educational foundation and a Reform synagogue in White Plains. Ninety years later we celebrate all the people who have continued to keep this vision alive." The weekend will start on Thursday, April 24 with a 90th Anniversary Celebration. The evening will feature a delicious dinner tasting from local restaurants including: 42, Taleggio, La Bocca and Sam's of Gedney Way from White Plains, Moscato, Flourish and Taiim Cellar of Scarsdale and Mima's from Irvington. There will be a live performance by the award-winning, Jewish a capella group "SIX13" and a scrumptious dessert buffet from local bakers and bakeries. The raffle prize winners will be announced at the Gala on Thursday and first prize is a "Weekend in Paris".

The following evening, Friday, April 25, Kol Ami will honor Nan Blank, Early Childhood Program Director and Felice Miller Baritz, Religious School Director for their ten years of dedication and commitment to educating the children at Kol Ami. Shabbat in the Woods will begin at 5:30 (children ages 2-6). Shabbat services at 6:15pm will be followed by a festive Oneg for all ages.

For information about the 90th Anniversary Gala and the special Friday evening of honor, visit their website, www.nykolami.org or call 914-949-4717.