Congregation Shevet Achim (CSA) at Northwest Yeshiva High School

All Services are held at Northwest Yeshiva High School: 5017 90th Avenue S.E., Mercer Island, WA

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1552, Mercer Island, WA 98040 206.275.1539

The Shul

Congregation Shevet Achim is a traditional shul and member of the Orthodox Union. Our diverse membership comes from many different locations and backgrounds. Visitors and “regulars” alike are drawn by the open atmosphere and spiritual vitality of our community of about 100 families; no one stays a stranger. Congregants do more than actively participate in prayers – they lead them as well. A typical Shabbat will feature several lay chazanim (cantors) leading the prayers during different parts of the service. The concluding prayers are led by our children.

Located near the geographic center of Mercer Island, Congregation Shevet Achim welcomes all Jews regardless of their backgrounds or knowledge. Services are held in the two-story sanctuary of the Northwest Yeshiva High School (NYHS), 5017 90th Ave. SE, Mercer Island. The shul has daily morning services and is progressing toward daily evening services as well.

The Rabbi and the CSA Community

Rabbi Yechezkel Kornfeld, who is best known for his 25 years as Seattle Chabad-Lubavitch’s Educational Director, is the rabbi for the shul. “Shevet Achim means ‘to sit together,'” he notes, adding that “it sums up my entire rabbinical career: working to build an environment for Jews – all kinds of Jews – to sit, study and pray together. Together, we form a vibrant community; together, we celebrate simchot (joyous occasions) as well as support those who are ill or need a minyan to say kaddish after the death of a loved one.”

Rabbi Kornfeld describes Shevet Achim as Modern Orthodox in orientation and fully accessible to newcomers. “The congregation’s members, leaders and previous rabbis,” observes Rabbi Kornfeld, “all contributed to the creation of a warm atmosphere where everyone can feel at home. G-d has blessed every Jew with a time-honored gift that has served us since Sinai: Torah and the laws that it contains. The members of our community strive to lead lives built around Torah.”

During the Shabbat service, Rabbi Kornfeld provides a continuing commentary on the weekly reading – section by section (aliyah by aliyah). “It helps keep you focused on the portion,” says one congregant, “and it’s easier to follow the Torah reading.” The Torah reader is usually the rabbi himself. His reading is energetic and suffused with meaning; with his extensive lexicon of Torah knowledge, he rarely misses a beat.

One distinguishing feature of CSA that helps newcomers acclimate quickly is the sit-down kiddush that follows the Shabbat service. The kiddush features delicious food, zemirot (songs) and the rabbi’s d’var Torah (word of Torah). Observes one active congregant, “We don’t just gather for Shabbat morning Services; we come together each week to truly celebrate Shabbat.”

Rabbi Kornfeld and his wife Devorah arrived at Congregation Shevet Achim in 1996 and confirmed the congregation as an aptly named kehila (spiritual community) in the heart of Puget Sound. During the week, Rabbi Kornfeld maintains an intensive schedule of teaching, with classes geared to all levels, and he is available to meet with members. The rabbi also presides over members’ lifecycle events, officiating at weddings, funerals and brit milot, and visiting the sick.