The Qahal (Hebrew: קהל‎) was a theocratic organisational structure in ancient Israelite society, according to the Masoretic Text of the Bible. In later centuries, Qahal was the name of the autonomous governments of Jewish communities in Eastern Europe.

The Hebrew word qahal, which is a close etymological relation of the word qoheleth, comes from a root meaning of convoked [group]; its Arabic cognate, qala, means to speak.

Where the masoretic text uses the term qahal, the Septuagint usually uses the Greek term Ekklesia, which means summoned group (and literally means they who are called out). However, in one particular part of the Priestly Code the Septuagint instead uses the term synagogen, literally meaning gathering, where the masoretic text uses qahal.

Thus, the usual translation of qahal into English is congregation or assembly, although asuppoth, atsarah, 'edah, mo'ed, mikhra, and sod, are also usually translated like this.

In particular, the Biblical text consistently distinguishes between 'edah and qahal. One passage especially makes the distinction clear; part of the Priestly Code discusses what to do if the whole Israelite ['edah] commits a sin and the [qahal] is not aware of it.... Scholars conclude that the qahal must be a judicial body composed of representatives of the 'edah; in some biblical passages, 'edah is more accurately translated as swarm.