Mission & Vision
"Habonim" means "the builders" in Hebrew, and Congregation Habonim is dedicated to building Jewish community together. We are a vibrant Conservative egalitarian synagogue on the Upper West Side, offering a haven of warmth and spiritual growth.
Habonim was founded by German refugees who sought the solace of religious community as they built a new life and congregation in a new country. Today Habonim is building once again, and we look forward to moving into a beautiful new home before long!
Our core values include an emphasis on hachnasat orchim (the welcoming of guests), and strong relationships between members and our clergy and professional staff, as well as deep bonds of friendship with each other. A heimish, unpretentious environment of Talmud Torah (learning), Tefillah (prayer), and Kehillah Kedosha (sacred community) for all ages is key.
Talmud Torah - Many members of our community participate in regular study, including classes such as our Weekly Torah Study and other classes led by Rabbi Gelber - learn more here.
Tefillah - Our Shabbat and holiday services, for adults as well as for children, are participatory and draw from diverse segments. Youth and family services are an important element of communal life, and our Nursery School and our Religious School prepare children for participation in Shabbat services through the age-appropriate instruction of songs and tefillot.
Kehillah - We are multi-generational and promote l'dor v’dor, establishing connections within people of varied ages in the synagogue. Community members value the warmth and closeness of relationships forged here, and cite the quality of the friendships forged at Habonim as a unique and special quality of this congregation.
Click here to join in our mission today!