Begun in 1966, the founders of Woodlands Community Temple sought to create a different kind of congregation. Focusing on the word “community,” they instilled in our members a feeling of belonging and involvement which we often refer to as “the Woodlands Way".

It shows up in physical style. Our synagogue is a large, brick mansion on a rural-feeling piece of land in the Town of Greenburgh, Westchester County, New York (near White Plains). Comfortable and homey, our building is made more charming by a simple glass-walled Sanctuary which brings the outdoors in, and no raised bimah or fixed seats. During the Yamim Noraim (High Holy Days), a tent erected on the front lawn draws the membership into an experience that both defies normal expectation of “these solemn days,” yet produces a special, and much-loved, sacred space. All of this reflects a community that encourages religious intimacy and a willingness to be flexible, yet attentive, to an age-old tradition.

Our worship experiences are predominantly upbeat and celebratory. We view worship as a microcosm for the outside world and, as such, endeavor to include as much of the full gamut of human experience as we can -- from joyous to sad, philosophical to emotional. We mainly use our own Shabbat siddurim (prayerbooks), produced over the years in consultation with our rabbis and cantors. Additionally, without organ or professional choir, our music is participatory and quite lovely, more often than not accompanied by guitar or some other instrument. A tremendous sense of latitude is also permitted and encouraged in terms of pulpit presentations, be they sermons, teaching, discussions or other special formats. And while we love to celebrate a simcha as much as the next person, B’nai Mitzvah ceremonies do not “own” our services; rather, these moments remain the sacred communal province of our entire membership. Since our members prefer to be part of the service rather than spectators to it, we make every effort -- liturgically, musically, and spiritually -- to involve us all deeply in it.

Woodlands is extremely committed to Jewish education for all our members, not just the children. We understand that the integrity of any Jewish life is directly related to the amount of knowledge one possesses regarding our history, our thought, and our practice. We expect our families to have their children continue through Tenth Grade Confirmation, if not High School Graduation. We offer adult education opportunities year ‘round, mainly taught by the professional staff but with lay-instructors and outside faculty, as well. Recently, we have become part of a community-wide Adult Jewish Learning Institute, presented by three area synagogues and the JCC on the Hudson. While it is our highest expectation that educational experiences be exciting and enjoyable at all age-levels, we make every effort to have congregants understand that Jewish education, for all of us, is vital to our way of life.

Woodlands has always made a conscious philosophical decision to seriously involve itself in areas of tikkun olam (repairing our world) and tzedakah (giving of time, money and needed goods). Long recognized as an area-wide leader in issues of social justice, Woodlands was the first Westchester synagogue to participate in shelter and homeless programs. When it was needed, we adopted and still assist a Vietnamese “boat” family. We have, at various times, been involved with new Russian Jews, elderly residents of New York’s Lower East Side, as well as an annual Blood Drive and, now, a Mitzvah Day. We are generally recognized as a “liberal” environment and do not shrink from being “controversial.”
In sum, we think Woodlands Community Temple is one of the Jewish community’s shining lights. We love this synagogue and hope you will too.