The First Synagogue in the First State
Welcome to
Adas Kodesch
Shel Emeth!
Adas Kodesch Shel Emeth, a Synagogue in Wilmington, Delaware, has been serving the needs of Delaware’s Jewish community for 140 years (VIEW OUR BEAUTIFUL COMMUNITY SHABBAT SERVICE CELEBRATING 140 YEARS HERE). We are an innovative, inclusive traditional congregation. We are a warm and caring congregational family, embracing our members at every stage of life. Wherever you are in your spiritual journey, AKSE is a place you can grow and experience the joy of Judaism. We engage and enrich our members as they participate in religious, educational, cultural, community service, and social activities.
Embracing. Engaging. Enriching.
Learn with AKSE
AKSE offers varied opportunities for our members to grow and experience the joy of Judaism. Classes in reading Hebrew and chanting Torah enable congregants to feel comfortable attending and participating in services. We provide a full schedule of Shabbat and holiday services, including a full Torah reading. Kiddushes, Friday night dinners, and Community Seders are occasions for camaraderie, ruach (spirit), and tasty food and drink. We also offer select weekday services.
Our members may choose from diverse learning opportunities. Our active program of adult education includes classes, speakers, Shabbatons, and trips. Our Hebrew speaking club (Chug Ivri) meets monthly. Though most of our programs are in-person at our Wilmington, Delaware Synagogue, some are virtual, and some are hybrid.
Get musical with AKSE
AKSE is a musical congregation. A choir assists the Cantor on the High Holidays. Many of our congregants help to lead parts of the service and read Torah. We have a performing Israeli dance group. AKSE has presented an annual musical celebration of Israel called Cafe Tamar for over 65 years. The program always includes dance, vocal, and instrumental performances, with soloists from throughout the community.
Meet Rabbi Abe
Our spiritual leader, Rabbi Abe, embodies the ideals of AKSE—being committed to tradition, while also being open-minded and progressive within the bounds of Halacha (Jewish law) and a strong advocate for a pluralistic Judaism. He loves the slogan of the congregation: “Embracing, Engaging, Enriching.” He describes us as a “unique and historic congregation, small but mighty, with many members who are knowledgeable and talented; AKSE provides many opportunities for members to develop and exhibit their religious, intellectual, and musical skills.” Rabbi Abe is committed to building on AKSE’s reputation as a welcoming community with high expectations for Jewish life.
Upcoming Events
