About Us

Congregation Kol Ami is a congregation for all our people. We are a vibrant, inclusive, participatory, egalitarian synagogue that values the rich traditions of our heritage. We are a mix of Jews from many places and Jewish experiences, and our unique strength comes from our diverse backgrounds. We affiliate with both the Conservative and Reform movements and offer a variety of religious services, educational experiences, and countless opportunities for gathering together and schmoozing.

Salt Lake City’s Jewish community dates back to approximately 1854. The present congregation is the result of a successful 1972 merger of Congregation B’nai Israel (Reform founded in 1891) and Congregation Montefiore (Conservative founded in 1899). The Utah Jewish population numbers approximately 5,000, with membership at Kol Ami at approximately 350 family units, or roughly a quarter of the Jewish population of Utah. We do our best to serve every Jew in our midst. Being a part of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism and the Union for Reform Judaism gives us a unique and enjoyable to explore new ways of expressing our common Jewish faith.

In 1916, Simon Bamberger became the first Jewish governor of the state of Utah. Louis Marcus became the first Jewish Mayor of Utah in 1932. We have a solid, positive relationship with our Mormon neighbors and a high level of mutual respect and appreciation.

We are proud of our Rafi Schwartz Religious School! We offer a broad curriculum enabling students of all levels to engage in the wonder of Jewish learning. Utah is proud of its active Jewish community including the I.J. and Jeanne Wagner Jewish Community Center, the United Jewish Federation of Utah, Jewish Family Services, the United Jewish Endowment Trust of Utah, the Joanne & Richard McGillis School, as well as local chapters of Hadassah, the National Council of Jewish Women, AIPAC, and the Utah Jewish Genealogical Society.