Looking for a place to celebrate the High Holy Days? West End Synagogue is a welcoming and inclusive Reconstructionist synagogue on the Upper West Side of NYC.
Reconstructionists approach Judaism, and life, with deep consideration of the past and a passion to relate it to the present. Working from an understanding of Judaism as the evolving religious civilization of the Jewish people, reconstructionists draw from the rich wellsprings of Jewish tradition to face the challenges and opportunities of the current moment. WES celebrates Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur with as much creativity and contemplation as it brings to the rest of its programming. The High Holy Days offer some of the most powerful moments of the year to reflect, learn, and grow together as a community.
Services for the Days of Awe feature traditional liturgy, original compositions by WES members, powerful music and singing, and meditation. There will be opportunities throughout the High Holy Days for children and teens to gather for prayer, community, and creative learning.
This year’s High Holy Days theme is P’tach Libeinu: Open Our Hearts. WES will use these most sacred of days as an opportunity to open hearts to grief, teshuva (atonement), forgiveness, community, empathy, compassion, and hope. You’re welcome to join either in person or online.
After the High Holy Days, WES invites you to join them for services and programs at their Upper West Side home. Come as often as you like. You’ll find a welcoming, inclusive and supportive community.
Grounded in the principles of Reconstructionist Judaism, the congregation celebrates the richness and diversity of Jewish tradition through study, prayer, meditation, music, and tikkun olam, or acts of repairing the world.
Their home, a former public library in the Lincoln Square neighborhood of the Upper West Side, provides a light-filled, intimate space for prayer, reflection, and learning. The approach is informal and supportive of a wide range of religious backgrounds, practices, and beliefs.
Under the leadership of Rabbi Emily Cohen and Cantor Melissa Berman, West End Synagogue continues to grow while maintaining its hallmark warmth and intimacy.
SHABBAT SERVICES
You’re invited to join WES for Shabbat services as often as you like. Led by Rabbi Emily and Cantor Melissa, the services offer a grounding, uplifting, and prayerful way to celebrate Shabbat.
Services always invite active participation from the congregation, and include both traditional and “reconstructed” interpretations of prayer, song, and Torah. Shabbat services often feature original compositions by WES members. After Shabbat morning services, visitors are welcome to stay for a Kiddush lunch and get to know the community better.
HEBREW SCHOOL (JFLL) LEARNING AND COMMUNITY AT WES
West End Synagogue has stimulating educational programs for everyone from tots to adults. Tot Shabbat welcomes members and nonmembers two Fridays a month to a joyful, interactive, and engaging celebration of Shabbat. The synagogue’s Hebrew School, Jewish Family Life and Learning (JFLL), is an innovative, progressive program that includes parents along with the students. For teens, the JFLL Teen Program engages teens in conversations and activities around Jewish themes, determined by the group’s own ideas and areas of interest. Rachel Oshrin, the Director of JFLL, is an experienced and dynamic teacher who has been teaching everyone from toddlers to teens in West End’s Jewish Family Life & Learning programs for 10 years.
And for adults, the programming is extremely robust and varied. West End Synagogue is committed to adult study of Jewish sources, history, and cultural expression in its many forms. Adult education programs and activities focus on the vital areas of education, community, and outreach.
At West End Synagogue, Judaism is a call to pursue justice in society and in the world. The congregation takes seriously the Hebrew phrase Tikkun Olam, which literally means “repair of the world.”
YOU’RE WELCOME ANY TIME
Come to WES as often as you like and participate in services and programs. But when you realize WES is the right Jewish home for you, they invite you to consider joining as a member. You’ll be supported in good times and bad and be able to contribute to the community. Members can also participate in the ANNUAL WES RETREAT and other members-only programs.
Learn about WES membership here. Or contact synagogue administrator Joan Erber at 212-579-0777 ext. 4220.
West End Synagogue is located at 190 Amsterdam Avenue at 69th Street.
