Welcome
Established in the mid-1980s, Kehillat Lev Shalem, the Woodstock Jewish Congregation (WJC), is a 300+ household synagogue where the founding members remain actively involved, and new members add to the vibrancy of our community. We are located in New York’s beautiful Hudson Valley between the thriving small-town communities of Woodstock and Saugerties, just 15 minutes from Kingston, one hour from Albany, and two hours from New York City. The WJC is a community of Jewish seekers from a full spectrum of Jewish practice, including those who came to Judaism by choice and/or partnership. Our congregation is known for its welcoming, inclusive atmosphere where we pray together enthusiastically, share simchas, mourn losses, learn, grow, advocate for social justice, and work towards tikkun olam together.
Mission
The Woodstock Jewish Congregation is dedicated to the advancement of Jewish ethics, culture and religion. We strive to enable participants to enrich their lives through Jewish worship, celebration, practice, study and fellowship. We are committed to maintaining our loving character by treating all people with care and respect, and to fostering our connection with the state of Israel and Jews around the world. We draw from all streams of Jewish practice. Men and women have an equal opportunity to participate in bringing forth our goals.
It is our hope that the spirit of holiness and the passion for justice generated within our congregation will overflow into our families, workplaces and community at large so we might do our part in fulfilling the ancient directive “to be a light unto the nations.”
We are an unaffiliated congregation. Our members are from all walks of life, and our services are joyful celebrations.
Vision
The Woodstock Jewish Congregation/Kehillat Lev Shalem promotes Jewish identity and values.
We are an inclusive, caring, egalitarian congregation. We are always striving to be a joyous, supportive home and place of worship that connects community; one that engages and enriches Jewish spiritual, cultural, ethical, educational, and social life.
Inclusivity
Woodstock Jewish Congregation affirms the principle of inclusivity by welcoming all Jews as full participants in our congregation. Moreover, our congregation is open to all who wish to worship with us. We welcome individuals of all gender identities, gender expressions, sexual orientations, races, ethnicities, nationalities, and levels of ability. We strive to fully integrate singles, single parents, couples, and children.
We offer discounted memberships to all who request them – we do not require supporting documents. Please contact us for more information.
Removing attitudinal barriers is as important as removing architectural and financial barriers. We strive to treat each other with respect and civility. We refrain from stereotyping individuals, or making comments about individuals’ physical characteristics, marital status, and other personal issues. In this way, we foster the warm, welcoming community that is Kehillat Lev Shalem.
Our Commitment to Environmental Sustainability
The Woodstock Jewish Congregation is also committed to the Torah’s teaching that humans are to be Shomrei Adamah, “guardians of the earth.” We bring this Jewish value into our Family School and worship services, and we strive to incorporate sustainability practices into all of our operations so that we may become a model of environmental stewardship within our congregation and for the larger community. Please click here to view a timeline of our sustainability efforts.