Sharla's Fundraiser for Kol Israel Community

Hi friends—today I’m supporting Kol Israel Congregation of Kentucky for Give for Good Louisville because I believe in community that is welcoming, joyful, and hands-on.

In Hebrew, Tikkun Olam means “repairing the world.” Kol Israel lives that out locally—opening holiday celebrations to anyone curious, hosting late-night learning parties with music and food, partnering with neighbors to welcome refugees, and showing up when people need care.

I love ritual because it connects me to so many different parts of myself. I feel most like myself when I’m hosting Shabbos dinners—there’s something about creating that space, week after week. I start cooking on Wednesday night for the Friday dinner, and there’s something profoundly meaningful about the preparation. 

Whether it’s peeling potatoes and carrots or making the broth for matzo ball soup, I do it all with intention. The entire time, I’m listening to Jewish music and in the moment, asking God to bless the people who will receive the food. I put a lot of love into it. I’ve done these rituals with my kids, with my family, and it’s always been a way to connect with Jewish people in my tradition going back for millennia. What’s most special, though, is being able to invite others into this sacred space, especially when it’s their first time experiencing it. 

Through Kol Israel, I get to tap into this deep part of myself and share the beauty of ritual with others in a meaningful way.

My goal is $500 today to help fund open-door gatherings, community learning, and good-for-neighbors projects in Louisville. If you’ve been looking for something hopeful to be part of, this is it.

Help Us Repair the World—Right Here in Louisville

Belonging. Joy. Justice. Build it with us at Kol Israel Congregation of Kentucky.

At Kol Israel, we believe Judaism shines when it’s welcoming, joyful, and hands‑on. Tikkun Olam—Hebrew for repairing the world—isn’t a slogan; it’s how we live our values in Louisville: sharing meals, welcoming newcomers, learning across differences, and showing up when neighbors need care. Your Give for Good gift fuels open‑door celebrations, community learning, and tangible good for our city. If you’ve been looking for a community that puts joy and justice at the center, you’re in the right place.

What Your Gift Makes Possible

• Open‑door holiday gatherings—like Sukkot in a cozy outdoor sukkah (think dinner under the stars), where anyone curious about Jewish life is welcome.

• Community learning nights—our Tikkun Leil Shavuot–style events with short talks, poetry, music, and snacks that make big ideas feel human.

• Good‑for‑neighbors projects with interfaith partners—meal trains, welcome kits for newcomer families, and rapid‑response care in times of crisis.

• Scholar‑in‑Residence visits that lift up diverse voices—including LGBTQ+ Jews, Jews of Color, interfaith families, and converts.

Why Louisville Needs This

Louisville is beautifully diverse—and many people still feel spiritually homeless or disconnected. Kol Israel is building a home for belonging and purpose, where ancient practice meets today’s needs. Together we can create more moments of joy, learning, and care—and meet real needs in our city.

Quick Glossary

• Tikkun Olam (tee‑KOON oh‑LAHM): Repairing the world—doing tangible good together.

• Sukkah / Sukkot (SOO‑ka / soo‑KOHT): A simple outdoor hut for a joyful harvest festival; imagine a community dinner under the stars.

• Tikkun Leil Shavuot (sha‑voo‑OHT): An open, often late‑night learning party with bite‑size talks, music, and conversation.

You don’t have to be Jewish to celebrate, learn, or give. All neighbors are welcome.

Give today to help us host more open‑door gatherings, deepen partnerships, and meet real needs in Louisville. Let’s repair the world—together.