Kehilla

Not to be confused with "Kehila" a village in Estonia.

Kehilla (Hebrew: קהילה) meaning a "congregation" may refer to:

• Qahal, a theocratic organisational structure in ancient Israelite society, and a quasi-governmental authority in Jewish communities of the Middle Ages.
• Kehilla (modern) (pl. Kehillot), the elected local communal (secular as well as religious) Jewish structure in Central and Eastern Europe (Poland's Second Republic, the Baltic States, Ukrainian People's Republic) during the interwar period (1918–1940)
  • Kehillah (Jewish Community) of New York City, a similar type of organization that existed in the early 20th century in New York, but consisting of Orthodox and Reform congregational leaders instead of elected leaders
• Kahal, name of a moshav agricultural community in northern Israel

• Tuvei Ha-Ir - means "good [people of] the city" who were leaders of any given Jewish community and arguably had the most communal responsibility. For example, they constantly provided financial help to the community. In return they had the most privileges when it came to important decisions.

The "Tuvei Ha-ir" good men of the city was primarily dominated by wealthy men. These men primarily had financial responsibilities to the Jewish society as a whole. The head of the "Tuvei Hair" was known as the Parnas- the one who provides. The next sub-group was known as the "Bet Din" and was generally made up of three rabbis. They had to ensure that everything done within Kehila was in accordance with Halacha. "Gaboim" is loosely translated as "enforcers". These people were charged with carrying out the will of Tuvei Ha-ir and the Bet Din. Jobs included collecting taxes. If taxes were not paid, the Gaboim would enforce punishments such as fines and social ostracism. "Hevrot"- translated as committees was generally run by women. Jobs included looking after travelers, widows. brides and orphans. By the late 18th century, the Kehila was dissolved and Jews began to take on more secular identities and assimilate. Today, the term Kehila still exists and refers to a community affiliated with a synagogue. However, the coercive structure that once embodied the Kehilla no longer exists (Henry Abramson)