About Congregation Knesset Israel

Congregation Knesset Israel is a warm and welcoming egalitarian synagogue serving the entire Berkshire region. Founded in 1893, K.I. is a friendly, caring, dynamic synagogue community committed to participatory prayer, life-long Jewish learning, Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World), and sharing the joys and challenges of life. Our synagogue facility features a beautiful and spiritually inviting sanctuary, a large social hall for events of all types, a busy, well-stocked library, gift shop, offices and classrooms situated on grassy, tree-lined grounds. We proudly provide the only daily minyan in the Berkshires. “K.I.” is a proud member of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.

Shabbat services at K.I. are noted for their inspiring, participatory and interactive nature that engages the mind, heart, and soul. While speaking to the contemporary worshipper, services at KI resonate with tradition by being rich in Hebrew, traditional as well as contemporary tunes, and the traditional nusah. The intimate Friday evening Kabbalat Shabbat services in our library feature lively singing and a relaxed atmosphere. The first Shabbat of each month we feature the music of Reb Shlomo Carlebach in our “Carlebach Friday Night Service.” The chanting of the liturgy and Torah reading responsibilities are shared by congregants from age 9 to 90. We celebrate b’nai mitzvah, baby namings, special anniversaries and other family and community milestones during our Shabbat morning service. Child care is available on Shabbat mornings and for High Holy Days. Our lay-led Saturday morning Family Tot Shabbat meets monthly for ages three and four and Friday Night Family Services are scheduled periodically in coordination with our Preschool and our Sulamot Family Educator. Services on Friday evenings are usually at 5:45 year round. Saturday morning services commence at 9:30. Shabbat afternoon services and the close of Shabbat are scheduled according to the traditional calendar, and will vary from week to week.