AJC Faith and Values

Atlanta Journal-Constitution
September 3, 2005

Snapshot: TEMPLE KOL EMETH: Progressive synagogue keeps traditions

Candice Hannigan - For the Journal-Constitution
Saturday, September 3, 2005

Mission statement

"The Jewish people were born out of our love of God and God's teachings," said Rabbi Steven Lebow, adding that the mission of the Jewish people is "to live to the fullest and to incorporate classical Jewish beliefs and values into our daily lives.

"We are a community built on the grounds of Torah (study), Avodah (worship), Tzedakah (charity) and Maasim tovim (good deeds)," said Lebow.

History

In 1982, Kol Emeth was founded by seven families who felt there needed to be a progressive synagogue in Atlanta. With more than 700 families now, the congregation includes several interfaith couples.

Kol Emeth is a reform congregation affiliated with the Union of Reform Judaism, which reaches out to Jews of all different backgrounds.

Special programs and ministries

Each year, Kol Emeth members work with volunteers from nine local churches and a mosque to build a house for Habitat for Humanity. In addition, the temple's sisterhood collects hundreds of pairs of shoes every year to donate to disadvantaged children. Youth members, covering grades seven through 12, also are active in outreach programs. The temple also offers classes for interfaith couples as well as classes on kabbalah and Bible studies on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Rabbi's path

"I'm probably the only rabbi that can claim that he was taught by an Episcopal priest as well as Jesuits," said Lebow, who grew up in a Jewish home. He was educated at Kenyon College in Ohio, and after he finished his studies in comparative religions and ancient history, Lebow pursued a doctorate. He took a leave of absence and spent a year in Israel, where he made the decision to leave the doctoral program and become a rabbi.

Lebow and his wife, Madeline Sable, have two daughters, Shira, 17, and Julia, 10.

Rabbi's thoughts

Lebow stressed that Jews of all backgrounds, as well as Jewish-Christian couples, would feel at home at Kol Emeth, which he describes as "a warm, welcoming congregation."

TEMPLE KOL EMETH
1415 Old Canton Road, Marietta, GA 30062
 Phone: 770-973-3533
 Web site: www.kolemeth.net
Services: 8 p.m. Fridays, 10:30 a.m. Saturdays
Average Friday attendance: 400
Rabbi: Steven Lebow
Worship style: Eclectic, from traditional to rock services

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