According to the rabbis at Reform Congregation of Keneseth Israel, peace, both Biblically and theologically, is one of the ultimate goals of the Jewish quest. This congregation runs many programs and initiatives, addressing food insecurity, ecological issues, disaster relief, gun violence, hospitality for the LGBTQ community, advocacy for social justice in governmental policies, homelessness, and building understanding and cooperation among Jews, Muslims and Christians. Partnering with such organizations as Meals on Wheels, Inter-Faith Housing, POWER, Philabundance, Jewish advocacy groups, and Ceasefire PA, Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel’s leadership and programs foster understanding and cooperation among persons of diverse faiths and ethnicities.

Their events are often interfaith by nature. They have partnered annually with Temple University’s Dialogue Forum and a Turkish Islamic group (Peace Islands Institute) to host an interfaith Iftar dinner (breaking fast during Ramadan). The largest interfaith event they have hosted was on the first anniversary of 9/11 at which they welcomed 3,000 people from the community. That event was organized by the Cheltenham Area Multi-Faith Council to which KI has provided steady leadership since its founding. Keneseth Israel is a strong force in Elkins Park, and yet its impact is often felt nationally and globally.