Jewish Communities in Charleston? (transplants, house, school)

[mom2justynsarah]

My husband & I are NY transplants who have been living in S. Florida for over 12 years. We are Reform Jews, (not very religious at all). But we do go to temple for the holidays. Plus, my son would need to go to Hebrew School (to help prepare him for his Bar Mitvah in a few years.) He is ten, and we also have a 4 year old daughter. We would like to know if there is or are any active Jewish communities here. Thank you!!

[Ayarkay]

I'm not Jewish, but I can tell you that there is a fairly large (for the area) Jewish population here in Charleston. Jewish people have been here in the city nearly as long as it's been here; I think the synagogue is the oldest Reform synagogue in the U.S. It's name is KKBE (forgive my spelling but Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim) and I believe it's very active and friendly to newcomers. I think that's the only Reform syagogue, though there is an Orthodox one as well. KKBE is downtown, although most of the Jewish people I know live in the West Ashley area.

[stephz1008]

There are two synagoges I know if, links are below:

Beth Shofar Messianic Congregation- The House of the Trumpet!

home page - Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim

[Keppela]

If you are truly reform Jews and "not very religious", I beg you not to automatically send your son to Hebrew School. Please ask his input first and if he wants to go, fine. If not, please reconsider. I say this because I was forced to go to Hebrew School by my self-avowed agnostic parents. I absolutely hated every minute of it and always thought it hypocritical of them to inflict 5 years of that inane drivel (sorry, but that's what it was) on me when they had little or no connection themselves to the Jewish faith. I know I'm registering a strong opinion here, but I'm speaking from personal experience and my intentions are good.