WHO WE ARE

Ashreinu is an egalitarian kehilla that gathers for spirited davening, inspired learning, and creative ritual. We are steeped in tradition, based in St. Louis, and committed to building a collaborative, spiritual community.

Founded in November 2015 by Caroline Kessler and Tasha Kaminsky, Ashreinu is the only egalitarian kehilla of its kind in St. Louis. We meet in the homes of our community members throughout St. Louis, and occasionally in University City and Clayton. We host several programs on a monthly basis, as well as one-off programs for holidays such as Selichot and Tashlich. Check out the Calendar for exact dates.

WHAT WE DO

Davening & Dinner: one Friday evening a month, an egalitarian traditional service (Kabbalat Shabbat + Ma’ariv), full of lively singing in Hebrew, using Lev Shalem, a siddur (prayerbook) with gender-neutral translation and transliteration, plus a catered or home-cooked vegetarian dinner

Brunch & Learn: one Saturday morning a month, a peer-led discussion of the week’s parsha (Torah portion) with home-cooked vegetarian brunch foods, and plenty of coffee

Nigun Collective: about once every two months, we sing, teach, and meditate on nigunim (wordless melodies) in a collaborative format; we provide vegetarian snacks and drinks (alcoholic & non-)

MISSION   VISION         CORE VALUES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our mission is to create a kehilla (Jewish spiritual community) that provides meaningful experiences through prayer, learning, and ritual.

Our vision is to be a community that

  • is sustainably integrated in, and connected to the city of St. Louis, where we share the wealth that we’ve created
  • connects people to Judaism in new ways
  • meets people where they are literally, and asks people to meet us spiritually.

Our Core Values                                                                                                      

Ownership + empowerment of our community members to initiate programs and play significant leadership roles

Intentional + radical inclusivity through genuine warmth and hospitality

Full, embodied, egalitarian participation in rituals and gatherings

Honoring tradition in Judaism and in St. Louis

Quality over quantity in terms of our gatherings, our participants, and our content

High expectations for ourselves and our community

Multigenerational wisdom from our elders and youngsters

PRESS

Read more about what we do in The Jewish Light: "Young Jews bring davening, song wherever they go."

GRATITUDE

We're grateful for logistical, financial, and spiritual support from Kol Rinah, Jewish Federation of St. Louis, Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, and Moishe House Without Walls.