Kehillat Ahavat Yisrael - History
- Initially it was felt that there was a deep need for a Jewish modern orthodox congregation in Carmel Valley which was previously not available.
- A small group led by Michael Lurie and Gary Lewis commenced Friday night services at Michael's home on June 13, 2003 (Sivan 14, 5763) followed by services for Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. The congregation adopted the name of Kehillat Ahavat Yisrael (KAY).
- The congregation outgrew the initial location and moved to the Beit Midrash of the San Diego Jewish Academy on January 30, 2004 when regular services also commenced on Saturday mornings and as well as on all Chagim
- As KAY had become a properly established congregation, it was registered in the office of the Secretary of State of the State of California as a Nonprofit Religious Corporation on April 20, 2004 and also with the Internal Revenue Service and State of California Franchise Tax Board
- The Board comprised the original founders of KAY with Michael Lurie (President) who led the kehilla, Gary Lewis (Programs) performing the duties of chazan, Ian Aires (Secretary & Marketing), Barbara Lurie (Catering), Selwyn Lurie (Financial Officer & Administration) and Geoff Patz (Membership & Fundraising)
- The operation of KAY was being financed by monthly contributions from donors, individual donations funding the acquisition of siddurim, chumashim and machzorim as well as a Sefer Torah, an Aron Hakodesh and a Ner Tamid.
- It was decided that the congregation was sufficiently established to appoint a Rabbi - Rav Menashe East joined KAY on August 15, 2005.
- On February 1, 2007, the Board resolved to adopt Bylaws.
- In terms of the Bylaws, the Inaugural Annual General Meeting of members was held on March 25, 2007 when a Constitution was adopted and a new Board of Directors was elected.
