On Aug 28th 2011, twelve young adults sat down together and changed the face of Madison’s Jewish community. Driven by a desire to create a venue for spirited davening and a warm Friday night experience, they addressed halachic issues and financial concerns, kashrut standards and what siddur to use, how to reach out to people and how to coexist with established Jewish groups. They created Madison’s first independent minyan.

One year later, Madison Minyan is going strong. On the second Friday of each month the minyan meets for Kabbalat Shabbat services followed by a kosher potluck at the historic

Gates of Heaven Synagogue in James Madison Park. Attendance averages over 40 people each time. “Twelve months later and we have yet to not have a new face,” comments Gideon Klionsky, an Epic employee and founding member. Attendees are of all ages and Jewish backgrounds . . .

[read more]