Ofek is an association for members of the Israelitische Gemeinde Basel (IGB) and other interested parties. Established in the fall of 1998, Ofek’s goal is to contribute actively to Jewish life in Basel and to supplement the activities and services offered by the IGB. What does it mean to be Jewish in everyday life, on Shabbat, on the holidays? Learn about the various forms of Judaism and experience them first-hand. Study and discuss the diversity of Jewish tradition, sources, history, philosophy, and culture. Ask questions and search for answers; strengthen your Jewish identity. Inquisitive and open to new ideas, Ofek offers the opportunity to do all of this – and much more.

Ofek – the word is Hebrew and means horizon – developed from a working group formed in the fall of 1998 and has been an association since 2000. It organizes events that supplement the activities and services provided by the IGB, including lectures and workshops on a wide variety of topics and religious services. In addition, Ofek spearheaded a day of study that took place once a year from 2001 to 2005 in cooperation with the IGB. Since 2006, this day of study, Jom Ijun , has taken place annually in Zurich. Ofek is also politically active within the IGB.

The combination of tradition with modern forms of Judaism is central to Ofek’s religious services, which are led by lay men and women. The prayers themselves, the heart of the services, are recited in Hebrew and Aramaic. Many of them are sung by the whole group. Some are read in German translation. Discriminatory language is replaced or omitted entirely. Men, women, and children sit together, and all are encouraged to contribute. At each service, a commentary to the weekly Torah portion (D’var Torah) is presented. The D’var is followed by a short discussion.

Some 200 individuals, couples, and families are on the Ofek mailing list.