The Ravenna Kibbutz

The following appeared in Examiner.com, posted by Becca Campbell. Thanks for taking part and then taking time to write about it, Becca! I'm only sorry we aren't closer to Burien.

I spent last Saturday night with my husband and several Ravenna Kibbutzniks. It was my first time at kibbutz, outside of Israel.

I recently found out about RK from jew-ish.com. As a long-time lover of intentional community and a born Jew, I figured I needed to check it out.

There were about 8-10 (I didn't count) folks present. We waited until three stars appeared in the sky and then we set to havdalah-ing.

What struck me most about the night was my own excitement at combining the religious traditions that I had grown up learning, with folks close to my age, some speaking Hebrew, talking about kosher marshmallows.

I have considered my current phase of Judaism to be mostly synagogue-based, with some new traditions started at home, but this was something new. This was a mix of cultural and religious Judaism, which is special and not easily found. I enjoyed myself immensely, and was sad that I lived so far away.

Ravenna Kibbutz consists of two houses, soon to be three, within 1-2 blocks in the Ravenna/65th St. area. Walking distance to all things good. They have ongoing events like Shabbat Dinner, Havdalah, Sunday Brunch, Open Mic, and of course special observances of the holidays.

Even if you're not interested in living at Ravenna Kibbutz, it's a great place to meet all different kinds of Jews.