Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim

What Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim does

Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim (KKBE), founded in 1749 in Charleston, South Carolina, is a Reform Jewish congregation organized as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entity (Tax ID 57-0406806) and recognized as South Carolina's largest Jewish congregation. It operates from a National Historic Landmark Greek Revival sanctuary at 90 Hasell Street (constructed 1840) and is acknowledged as the birthplace of American Reform Judaism (1824). The congregation delivers religious worship (Shabbat, High Holy Days, holidays), Jewish education through a K-10th grade Religious School (with over 150 students) culminating in B'nei Mitzvah and Confirmation, youth programming (CHARLEY/NFTY for grades 8-12, Tot Shabbat for ages 0-6), adult lifelong learning, and social justice initiatives through its CAJM co-founding role. Additional programmatic surfaces include the Koleinu and Koleinu Katan choirs, Brotherhood and Sisterhood auxiliaries, the Circles small-groups program (launched May 2022), and the annual Lowcountry Nosh food and heritage festival.

KKBE's revenue model combines subscription-recurring membership dues, recurring religious school tuition (with need-based accommodations), donations and Tzedakah, event revenue (primarily Lowcountry Nosh sponsorship and food sales), and one-time tour ticket sales for the historic sanctuary and Coming Street Cemetery. Membership acquisition occurs through community-led GTM motion - personal invitations, community events, tours, and digital channels (website, Facebook, Instagram, Vimeo, email newsletter Chailights). Member management runs on ShulCloud and livestreaming on StreamSpot; archives are housed at the College of Charleston's Jewish Heritage Collection, and Holocaust Torah MST No. 1210 is held on loan from the Memorial Scrolls Trust.

The congregation is governed by a Board led by President Louis Tick and supported by an 8-employee staff cohort including Senior Rabbi Stephanie Alexander (since 2010), Associate Rabbi Joseph Rosen (since 2024), Executive Director Mark Swick (since 2020), and Music & Artistic Director Bates O'Neal (since 2022). Strategic priorities are reflected in the L'Dor V'dor Capital Campaign, the Society of 1749 planned giving program, and the Micro-Grants initiative run with the Charleston JCC Foundation.

Name

Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim

Legal name

Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim

Website

https://kkbe.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1749

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim (KKBE), founded 1749 in Charleston, SC, is South Carolina's largest Jewish congregation and a National Historic Landmark. It delivers Reform Jewish worship, K-10th grade religious education, youth and adult programming, heritage tours, and community social-action initiatives to member families and the broader Charleston Jewish community.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Religious Congregation Services

NAICS

Religious Organizations (81311), Religious Organizations (8131)

akta.pro primary industry

Faith-Based Education & Formation (Seminaries, Religious Schools, Catechesis) (BPAGAJAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Jewish Theological Seminaries & Rabbinical Colleges (EDAHAKAH), Faith-Based (Religious) K–12 Schools (EDAJABAC)

Keywords

• Reform Jewish congregation
• Religious education services
• Jewish worship services
• Historic sanctuary tours
• Community social action

Headquarters

HQ city

Charleston

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Congregants pay annual membership dues to belong to KKBE. First year of Brotherhood membership is free for new temple members. The synagogue offers need-based confidential custom payment agreements for religious school tuition.
2. Religious School Tuition: Families pay tuition for children in Kindergarten through 10th grade confirmation. The synagogue maintains a policy that no Jewish child be denied a Jewish education due to inability to pay.
3. Donations and Tzedakah: Annual giving program (Mitzvah Membership) provides funding to close the gap between membership dues and expenses. Additional donation opportunities include High Holy Day Patron program, Yizkor Memorial Book, and general fund contributions. The synagogue is a 501(c)(3) organization (Tax ID 57-0406806).
4. Event Revenue: The annual Lowcountry Nosh food festival generates revenue through food sales (purchased with credit card) and sponsorships. Proceeds benefit the historic synagogue.
5. Tour Tickets: KKBE offers paid tours of the Historic Sanctuary and Historic Coming Street Cemetery. Private docent-led cemetery tours are available upon request with advance scheduling.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim is a historic Reform Jewish congregation providing worship services (Shabbat, High Holy Days, holidays), Jewish religious education from Kindergarten through 10th grade Confirmation, lifecycle event preparation (B'nei Mitzvah), and community programming. The congregation also operates historic sanctuary tours, a museum, and an annual Jewish food and heritage festival (Lowcountry Nosh).

Product overview

Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim (KKBE) is a Reform Judaism congregation offering a comprehensive portfolio of religious, educational, and community programs. The core offering centers on worship services (Shabbat, High Holy Days, holidays) and religious education (Religious School K-10th grade, B'nei Mitzvah preparation, Confirmation). Youth engagement includes JET/CHARLEY youth group (NFTY-SAR), Tot Shabbat for families with young children, and Koleinu/Koleinu Katan choirs. Community programs feature Circles small groups, Brotherhood, Sisterhood, and Social Action initiatives. Visitor services include Historic Sanctuary Tours, Coming Street Cemetery Tours, Museum, and the annual Lowcountry Nosh festival. Special offerings include the Holocaust Torah Memorial and Micro-Grants program. The congregation uses Mishkan T'filah and Visual T'filah for worship, with livestream capabilities via Streamspot and archived content on Vimeo.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Lowcountry Nosh: Charleston's premier Jewish food and heritage festival held annually on Hasell Street, celebrating Jewish food, music and culture with thousands of attendees.
• Circles
• Koleinu
• Koleinu Katan

Products and services

• Worship Services Reform Jewish worship services including Shabbat (Friday evening and Saturday morning), Family Services, Beach Shabbat, High Holy Days (Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur), Passover, and Purim celebrations, using the Mishkan T'filah prayer book.
• Religious School Jewish education program for students in Kindergarten through 10th grade Confirmation, including Hebrew instruction (grades 3-7), religious studies on Sundays, T'filah services, and preparation for B'nei Mitzvah. Over 150 students enrolled.
• B'nei Mitzvah Preparation Individualized preparation program for Bar/Bat Mitzvah candidates including meetings with Rabbis, learning sessions with B'nei Mitzvah Coordinator, and weekly home study. Requires three consecutive years of religious school attendance.
• CHARLEY Youth Group (JET Program) Self-governed senior youth group for 8th-12th graders affiliated with NFTY-SAR, offering social, ritual, and community service programming for teenagers.
• Tot Shabbat Monthly celebration for children ages 0-6 and their parents featuring music, play, and storytelling.
• Lifelong Learning Adult education programming including speaker presentations, text study, field trips, films, community travel, and multi-session courses exploring Jewish texts, Israel, ritual, culture, history, and living.
• Koleinu (Congregational Choir) KKBE's congregational choir led by Bates O'Neal and Dr. Julia Harlow, singing for Shabbat services, High Holy Days, and special events.
• Koleinu Katan (Youth Choir) Youth choir open to students in grades 3-7, established in 2024. Led by Bates O'Neal, performs for Shabbat and holiday services.
• KKBE Museum Museum preserving and showcasing congregation history, listed on Charleston's Museum Mile. Displays original 1792 synagogue painting by Solomon N. Carvalho, historical photographs and documents dating to 1766.
• Historic Sanctuary Tours Docent-led tours of the Greek Revival sanctuary (1840, National Historic Landmark). Includes 20-minute documentary video and museum/gift shop visit. 45-60 minutes duration.
• Coming Street Cemetery Tours Private docent-led tours of the Historic Coming Street Cemetery, established 1762, oldest surviving Jewish cemetery in the South.
• Lowcountry Nosh Festival Annual Jewish food and heritage festival held on Hasell Street, celebrating Jewish food, music and culture. Entering 12th year in 2026, attracts thousands from the broader Charleston community.
• Circles Small Groups Small groups of 5-15 congregants meeting regularly online or in homes/offices around topics including eating/drinking, games, outdoor activities, and demographic-based connections.
• Brotherhood Men's organization for social, spiritual, and continuing education needs. Practices Tikkun Olam through service and charitable deeds.
• Sisterhood Women's organization supporting congregation through various activities and programs.
• Social Action and Advocacy Social justice initiatives including Mitzvah Day, support for Neighbors Together, Charleston Area Justice Ministry (CAJM), HALOS gift drives, Kosher Food Pantry, Blessing Boxes, and Fresh Future Farm volunteering.
• Shabbat Livestream Online streaming of Shabbat services via Streamspot platform. Past recordings available on Vimeo.
• Membership Dues Annual membership dues program with need-based confidential custom payment agreements available. Mitzvah Membership annual giving program supplements dues.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 150 students enrolled in Religious School (K-10th grade)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Charleston JCC FoundationcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerKKBE partnered with the Charleston JCC Foundation to launch Micro-Grants, a new initiative providing small grants to help the Charleston Jewish Community—regardless of affiliation—create meaningful Jewish experiences beyond KKBE's walls. Grants support Shabbat dinners, holiday celebrations, playdates, and social gatherings.
• Memorial Scrolls Trust (MST)coreOthersKKBE received its Holocaust Torah (MST No. 1210) on loan from the Memorial Scrolls Trust in London. The Torah, written in the late 18th or early 19th centuries, comes from Louny in the Czech Republic. MST rescued 1,564 Torah scrolls from Bohemia and Moravia from Nazi collection.
• Charleston Area Justice Ministry (CAJM)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKKBE was a founding member of CAJM, a faith-based social justice organization of 29 diverse congregations. Rabbi Alexander has served on CAJM's board since its inception, most recently as co-President. CAJM advocates for social justice causes in the Charleston area.
• Charleston Jewish FederationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Charleston Jewish Federation partners with KKBE on various initiatives including the Coming Street Cemetery Restoration Projects, Fresh Express Delivery program for food distribution, and support for Religious School tuition assistance.
• College of CharlestoncoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerKKBE's archives are housed in the Jewish Heritage Collection within The Marlene and Nathan Addlestone Library at the College of Charleston. The synagogue also employs College of Charleston students as teaching assistants in Religious School.
• Jewish Historical Society of South CarolinaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKKBE maintains a relationship with the Jewish Historical Society of South Carolina, which is housed at the College of Charleston. The society preserves and shares Jewish history including information about KKBE's Coming Street Cemetery.
• Harold Grinspoon FoundationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerKKBE participates in the Life and Legacy program in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Charleston and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. This program encourages donors to include legacy gifts in their estate plans to sustain Jewish life in Charleston.
• Union for Reform Judaism (URJ)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKKBE was one of the founding synagogues of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations (now Union for Reform Judaism) in 1873 and remains firmly committed to Reform Judaism. The URJ provides resources, educational programming, and connects Reform congregations.
• Various Sponsors for Lowcountry NoshminorGTM or Marketing Partner2025 Lowcountry Nosh sponsors include: Premier Sponsor (Norman J. and Gerry Sue Arnold Foundation), Community Sponsor (Lipov Family), Partnership Sponsors (JEFSC, Charleston Jewish Federation, Anita Zucker and Family, Sisterhood), and Sustaining Sponsors including local businesses.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• College of Charleston Jewish Heritage Collection: Houses KKBE's archives. Functions as a research/enabling partner for Jewish heritage preservation and education in the Lowcountry, thematically aligned with KKBE's historical and educational mission.

Direct peers

• Adas Israel Congregation (Washington, D.C.): Historic Conservative (with Reform-affiliated programming) Jewish congregation in D.C. with comparable religious school, adult education, social justice, and heritage architecture footprint.
• Plum Street Temple / Isaac M. Wise Temple: Historic 1866 Plum Street Temple in Cincinnati is a National Historic Landmark and a founding center of American Reform Judaism. Direct historical and operational ancestor to KKBE within the Reform movement.
• Central Synagogue (New York): Large, historic Reform Manhattan congregation with sophisticated programming, livestream, and adult learning. Comparable scale and digital engagement strategy to KKBE.
• Congregation Emanu-El (San Francisco): One of the oldest and largest Reform Jewish congregations on the West Coast, with a landmark historic sanctuary. Comparable to KKBE in combining heritage preservation, religious school, and a museum/tour program.
• Congregation Mickve Israel: Historic Reform synagogue in Savannah, GA, founded 1733, the third oldest Jewish congregation in the U.S. Operates a similar worship-school-tourism model and shares the Southern historic-Reform identity with KKBE.
• Sixth & I Historic Synagogue: Historic Washington, D.C. synagogue that combines heritage tours, contemporary programming, and cross-denominational Jewish cultural events. Operations model is highly comparable to KKBE's tour/program revenue diversification.
• Rodeph Shalom (Philadelphia): Historic 1802 Reform synagogue in Philadelphia with comprehensive religious education and social justice programming. Comparable heritage-and-education positioning to KKBE.

Regional players

• Temple Sinai (New Orleans): Historic Reform synagogue in the Deep South with comparable religious school, social engagement, and Hurricane-era preservation challenges. Direct Southern-Reform peer for benchmarking.

Broad incumbents

• Temple Emanu-El (New York): Among the largest Reform Jewish congregations in the United States, with a landmark Fifth Avenue sanctuary. Comparable to KKBE in heritage-Reform identity, comprehensive programming, and high-end fundraising capacity.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubevimeo.com/kkbe
• Facebookfacebook.com/kkbecharleston
• Instagraminstagram.com/kkbe_chas
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/kkbechs

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim