Congregation Agudas Israel

About

We are a conservative, egalitarian synagogue located in the historic City of Newburgh in the Hudson Valley Region. We are associated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism

Story

Congregation Agudas Israel strives not just to welcome, but to embrace all who come through our doors. We are connectors–to one another, to God, to Israel. CAI recognizes the humanity of all. We do not check your card at our door, but hope that you will find an inspiring kehillah (community). As a proud member of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, we believe in the authority of halacha (Jewish law), yet understand that Judaism has always changed and evolved. Men and women are equal in the eyes of both the Holy One and our community. CAI is a house of prayer, a house of gathering, and a house of study. In these three traditional forms we encompass all of our activities. Remember, gatherings can be a whole lot of fun! Our prayer is spirited. Our study inspires connection.

Mission

Congregation Agudas Israel, an egalitarian, Conservative Synagogue in the City of Newburgh, New York, strives to educate, encourage, support, enrich, and inspire our members and friends to live engaged Jewish lives. Through prayer, study, observance, and social activities we build deep spiritual connections.
Focused on the Holy One, on Torah and on Israel, we celebrate the whole person, soul and body. This mission is fulfilled in the following three ways:

Bet Tefilah: (House of Prayer)
Our clergy and community work together to create services of inspiration. They should be participatory, engaging, and filled with warmth, while observing the Halachic standards of the Conservative Movement. As our membership grows and changes, we ensure that our services do, too–ensuring we meet our community’s evolving religious needs.

Bet Midrash (House of Study)
Education is the ticket to a deeper, more meaningful life. We strive to offer moving educational opportunities for community members and friends of all ages, strengthening their connection to Jewish texts, prayer, current events and our values.

Bet K’nesset (House of Assembly)
We are not just what we learn and pray, but also what we do. Together we become family. We celebrate and mourn together. We cry and dance together. At lifecycle events and social programming, we find the blessing in each day. Together we see that we are a part of something larger than ourselves–the Jewish community of Orange County, NY, the American Jewish community, that of Israel and those all around the world.

Impressum

We are run by our rabbi and congregational board of directors.