About Us

At Congregation Dor Hadash, you will find a contemporary approach to Judaism and a respect for traditional Jewish values. Our doors are open to all Jews: singles, families, LGBTQ, interracial, and interfaith couples and families. We are a diverse, down-to-earth, and varied group of people from all walks of life. Join our community and experience a progressive Reconstructionist approach to Judaism.

Gesher School

Gesher School is our religious school where children create Jewish memories and enjoy being a part of our close-knit kehillah (community). Classes meet on either Saturday or Sunday mornings on the campus of San Diego Jewish Academy in Carmel Valley. We look forward to welcoming your family. We offer:

• an inclusive, diverse, and nurturing community for children, teens and adults
• fun activities that you and your child will enjoy
• excellent, experienced teachers
• bar and bat mitzvah preparation with Rabbi Yael
• monthly mitzvah projects
• For Teens Only: leadership, social, educational, and community service projects

For more information click here or email Education Director, Betsy Schneider.

Our Story

In 1983 Rabbi Ron Herstik established Congregation Dor Hadash as the first Reconstructionist presence in San Diego County, as it remains to this day. In 1984, proudly naming ourselves Dor Hadash, meaning New Generation, we looked ahead to a new kind of American Judaism for our children and ourselves. Our goal was to establish a community far beyond the traditional "brick and mortar" concept. The havurot were developed around common interests, but more importantly established significant and meaningful interpersonal connections. These small groups would form a solid foundation for the larger centralized community. Our affiliation with the Reconstructionist movement met our need of blending tradition with an ever-changing secular world. >>more