Our mission at Mishkan Ha’am is to create a warm, joyful, collaborative community within a framework of Reconstructionist Judaism. We welcome diversity and encourage engagement with our evolving tradition, the exploration of varied ideas and beliefs, and the creative expression of Jewish identity. At Mishkan Ha’am, children and adults gather for education and discussion, celebration and life cycle events, and spiritual practices and prayer, as we support each other and the greater community.
Mishkan Ha’am welcomes everyone who wants to share in what we offer, including people of any age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender identity, as individuals or in families of all configurations. Full participation is open to members of interfaith households, those with longstanding Jewish practice or no previous Jewish affiliation, and those certain of, questioning, or disbelieving in the existence of a divine presence. We know that diversity strengthens our community.
As a Reconstructionist community, Mishkan Ha’am integrates a deep respect for traditional Judaism with an active exploration of it in light of our own time. We believe in embracing tradition—rituals and ceremonies that link us to our predecessors and to other Jews—while wrestling with Jewish teachings and practices to find meaning and make choices and adaptations that allow them to evolve.
Visit “Our Values” to learn more about Mishkan Ha’am.
About half of our members live in southern Westchester County and half live in the Riverdale/Kingsbridge area of the Bronx. Our ongoing programs take place at our mishkan, located at 18 Farragut Avenue in Hastings-on-Hudson (within the Reformed Church of Hastings).
Led by Rabbinic Leader Solomon Hoffman, a student at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, we typically come together several weekends each month for creative and meaningful services and cultural, spiritual, and educational programs for adults and children. We also gather as a community to celebrate the Jewish High Holidays and life cycle events. Our services and programs reflect the voices and interests of Mishkan Ha’am’s community members of all ages.
She’arim/Gateways, our innovative approach to Hebrew School, meets weekly and offers classes for children ranging in age from kindergarten to seventh grade. During the year in which families approach Bar/Bat Mitzvah, parents and young people together share in a unique group exploration in preparation for the milestone event.
Mishkan Ha’am is now offering free Hebrew School Tuition for families during the first year of membership! Just pay a $60 snack fee per child and you get a full year of Hebrew School with a family membership!
Our Adult education program includes seminars, “brunch and learns,” in-depth Torah study, a Jewish/Israel-themed book group and interesting and sometimes difficult conversations. Topics are generated by our members in accordance with their interests. Our Tikkun Olam/Social Action committee organizes and invites adult and family participation in efforts to address local and more distant needs.
Email: mishkanhaam@gmail.com
Phone: 914-222-5518
Mishkan Ha’am is a member of the Jewish Reconstructionist Communities