What a Jewish Community Can Be
We each have an answer to that query. And probably none of us would agree as to what that would be.
That is its beauty: We are not one thing; we are many.
We are spiritual. Ethical. Socially engaged. Vibrant. Diverse. Giving. We value learning, questioning, and heritage. We are to be an integral part of the Kingston community and a strong, Jewish Reform voice for the Hudson Valley.
We value celebration and joy above all.
You can find all of those here at Congregation Emanuel. That is what we mean by community.
Not one thing. Many.
Congregation Emanuel
We are a welcoming and giving Reform congregation committed to social justice, on-going learning, vibrant spirituality, diversity, and the State of Israel.
It was a long time ago and the historical record is bit hazy, It’s a safe bet these German Jews were merchants and peddlers, among the early Jewish traders who stopped in outposts from Newburgh to Troy. They traded pelts along the Mohawk from Buffalo to Schenectady.
But it’s important the city of Kingston has a long and proud history stretching back to colonial days, it’s important to note that the Jews of Congregation Emanuel played a significant part in that timeline.
In 1861 the Congregation purchased a Baptist temple to worship in, joined the burgeoning Reform movement a few years later, and by 1892 had a brand new home on Abeel Street. With the prosperity of the fifties and the new IBM offices in town the Board began an ambitious building project and in 1959 opened its mid-century icon on Ulster Avenue, with metal-work by congregant and world-famous metalsmith Kurt Mazdorf.
By its 160th Anniversary the Congregation had regained its profile as one of the leading communities of faith in the Hudson valley, sponsoring speakers, holding political debates, championing social action, while being led by it first female rabbi, Yael Romer and a cantor, Bob Cohen who began as a folkie and a Freedom Rider.
Live stream
For our live stream of Friday and Saturday services and past services click the button below.
This year's live streaming is sponsored in memory of Frank Crohn z"l
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“We have all become entrenched in our polarized positions. We surround ourselves with those who share our views, and we are all too ready to delegitimize those who hold a divergent position. It is incumbent upon us to speak out for the values that are fundamental to our beliefs, and it behooves us to recognize that there are others who cherish divergent views.”
~ Rabbi Yael Romer
What’s happening at Congregation Emanuel
A Celebration of the life and Rabbinate of Rabbi Jonathan Eichhorn
2:00 PM, Sunday, October 29
Fall Gala Honoring Mark Trott
Saturday, November 4.
Our Annual Congregational Trip to Israel
April 2 – May 2, 2018
Sisterhood Meeting
Held the 1st Thursday of the month. Sometimes held at local Restaurants. Watch this week and beyond for meeting info or contact the main office.
Confirmation Class
A hot luncheon with discussion following
Rosh Chodesh
Each month we women gather to explore & navigate our Judaism
Pirke Avot with Rabbi Romer
Pirke Avot Explore the sayings of our Fathers integrating our mothers voices with Rabbi Romer. Held most 2nd & 4th Thursday’s Sept thru June
Service with Zemer Participation
Beginning March Shabbat services will be from 6:30-7:45. Please join us at for a light Kiddush at 6PM. We invite members of the Congregation to volunteer one Friday each year to be a “host family”- opening their home to guests arriving to Temple and/or anyone who does not have a place to share the Sabbath…
Musical Shabbat
Beginning March Shabbat services will be from 6:30-7:45. Please join us at for a light Kiddush at 6PM. We invite members of the Congregation to volunteer one Friday each year to be a “host family”- opening their home to guests arriving to Temple and/or anyone who does not have a place to share the Sabbath…
Kabbalat Shabbat Service
Beginning March Shabbat services will be from 6:30-7:45. Please join us at for a light Kiddush at 6PM. We invite members of the Congregation to volunteer one Friday each year to be a “host family”- opening their home to guests arriving to Temple and/or anyone who does not have a place to share the Sabbath…
Recurring Events
Sisterhood Meeting
the 1st Thursday of the month at 7pm Sept-June
Brotherhood Dinner Meeting
the 2nd Tuesday of the Month at a local restaurant which changes monthly at 7pm Sept-June
Membership Meeting
the 1st Tuesday of the Month 7PM Sept-June
Social Action Meeting
2nd Thursday of the Month 7PM Sept-June
Rosh Chodesh
3rd Tuesday of the Month 7pm Sept.-June
Rabbi’s Luncheon
1st Tuesday of each month 12PM
Tot Shabbat
Select Saturday Morning’s 9am Sept-June
Rhinebeck Meditation & Torah Study
Tuesday’s 8:45am Sept-June
Hebrew Trope with Rabbi Romer
Wednesday 12:30pm
Conversational Hebrew with Rabbi Romer
Wednesday 4:30PM