The Kitchen is a non‑denominational Jewish congregation based in San Francisco, California, United States. It was founded in 2011 by Rabbi Noa Kushner after her tenure at Congregation Rodef Sholom, with the expressed aim of “filling a gap” in Jewish communal life and meeting unmet needs within the local Jewish population.
Location and Facilities
The congregation’s administrative office is located at 2443 Fillmore Street, San Francisco, CA 94115. The community holds services and programming at various venues throughout the city.
Mission and Practices
The Kitchen describes itself as “one part Shabbat + justice + Torah community, one part San Francisco experiment, and one part toolkit for Jewish life at home.” Its worship style is noted for music‑driven, ecstatic services that draw on a wide range of liturgical melodies. The organization emphasizes innovative approaches to Jewish engagement, including experimental musical outreach and collaboration with design firm IDEO to develop congregational materials and services.
Programs and Outreach
The congregation focuses on incubating new ways for Jews to connect with religious texts, ritual, and practice. It has received a grant from the Covenant Foundation to develop musical outreach projects, resulting in the production of an album of communal singing traditions. The Kitchen also participates in social‑justice initiatives and offers educational programs for members of all ages.
Membership
As of 2015, The Kitchen reported approximately 200 member households. Notable congregants have included writer Bari Weiss and journalist Nellie Bowles.
Affiliations
The Kitchen is a member of the Jewish Emergent Network, a coalition of progressive Jewish communities in the United States.
Online Presence
The congregation maintains a website at https://thekitchensf.org/, providing information on services, events, and opportunities for involvement.
