In 1983 Rabbi Ron Herstik and a small group of like-minded people 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. For more information on Reconstructionism, see Reconstructionist Education's Frequently Asked Questions and Is Reconstructionist Judaism for You?

We began meeting in our members’ homes and then worshipping in rented church spaces in Pacific Beach and La Jolla. Our education program also spent a number of years in living rooms and then rented classrooms at the JCC. Our office space moved from Rabbi Herstik’s living room to a small office suite on Miramar Road. Beth Faber joined us early on as our Cantorial Soloist. In 1994, Leon Natker succeeded Beth as our Cantorial Soloist and served in that capacity for the next 11 years. Rabbi Herstik remained our spiritual leader for 13 years and oversaw our move into our current congregational home on a quiet cul-de-sac in Kearny Mesa in 1994. Rabbi Alexis Roberts (Pearce) became our spiritual leader in 1996 and served us for the following nine years. Rabbi Yaffa-Shira Sultan succeeded her in late July 2005.

Within our current space, enhanced by the hands of many members, from the building of the Ark to the cabinets in the kitchen, to the Jerusalem-like feel of our sanctuary walls, we proudly placed our rescued Torah which we acquired in 1986 and is on permanent loan to us. It is from Czechoslovakia and was to be part of a Nazi museum about the extinct race of Jews. This Torah is a constant reminder that we survive.

From its inception, life long learning has been one of the primary goals of Congregation Hor Hadash. Our founding members wanted a different and creative approach to education for their children and also wanted to be involved in that learning. Many of our families were from interfaith families and the school accepted whatever background knowledge parents had. We believed that by involving parents in their children’s education, we would be enhancing Judaism throughout the generations.

Rabbi Herstik and founding member Andrea Glasser worked together to hire and train teachers, and a more formal school began in 1989 called Gesher (Bridge) School. In 1993, Barbara Carr, a teacher in the program, was hired to succeed Andrea as Education Director. In 1995 Barbara was awarded the JRF Master Teacher award and in January 2006 the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation recognized Gesher School as a model for Reconstructionist education.

As Congregation Dor Hadash has grown during the last 23 years, Rabbi Herstik and Rabbi Roberts helped move us along in our understanding of the Reconstructionist movement and our place in it. We are thrilled as we continue this journey with Rabbi Sultan as we carry on our mission to inspire exploration of Jewish spirituality and create a caring, Jewish community.

Congregation Dor Hadash offers its members a community-based environment in which to learn, pray and make friends. We are a congregation that depends upon and values the input of all of our members. Dor Hadash is a warm and welcoming community; our doors are open to all – singles, marrieds, gays, lesbians, interracial, interfaith. We are a diverse and varied group of people from all walks of life.

If you have been searching for a congregation that feels like a community of friends, then perhaps Congregation Dor Hadash is right for you. Please contact us 858.268.3674 or for more information.