Utah’s oldest Jewish congregation

Congregation Kol Ami emerged from the 1973 merger of the Conservative Montefiore congregation and the Reform B’nai Israel. According to the synagogue’s website it is “inclusive, participatory, egalitarian synagogue that values the rich traditions of our heritage. We are a mix of Jews from many places and Jewish experiences, and our unique strength comes from our diverse backgrounds. We affiliate with both the Reform and Conservative movements, and offer a variety of religious services, educational experiences, and countless opportunities for gathering together and schmoozing.”

According to Rabbi Ilana Schwartzman, Friday night services are generally Reform, and Saturday morning services are generally Conservative. An egalitarian minyan meets on Sunday, Monday and Thursday. With over 300 member families Kol Ami serves about 25% of Utah’s 5,000 Jews. The synagogue is affiliated with both the Union for Reform Judaism and the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism

Jim Christopher of the architectural firm Brixen & Christopher designed the synagogue which was completed in 1976. When Christopher was asked if he had a preconceived notion of what he wanted the building to look like he answered “It emerged. No preconceptions. Well – very few preconceptions.”