The Kavana Cooperative is an independent Jewish community in Seattle, Washington, formed in 2006.
Kavana is pluralistic and nondenominational, welcoming people from a diverse range of backgrounds. It is based on a cooperative model, where partners and participants take on the responsibility for actively creating a Jewish life for the group. Kavana offers many different ways to "plug in" to the community, with educational, religious and social programs for both adults and families.
Rabbi Rachel Nussbaum is the organization's spiritual leader.
Awards
In June 2006, Kavana was awarded the Levitan Innovation Award. In 2007, Kavana was named one of North America's most innovative nonprofit organizations in Slingshot '07-'08, a guidebook published by the Andrea and Charles Bronfman Philanthropies. Additionally, Kavana received a 2007-2008 grant from the Legacy Heritage Fund for its "Prep and Practice" program. In April 2008, Rabbi Rachel Nussbaum was named one of the Top 25 Pulpit Rabbis in America by Newsweek. In April 2009, Kavana was named one of the Top 25 Most Vibrant Congregations by Newsweek. In April 2011, Rabbi Nussbaum was again named one of America's Top 50 Most Influential Rabbi's by Newsweek and Daily Beast