BHS Mission

The Brooklyn Heights Synagogue is a welcoming, inclusive community dedicated to lifelong learning, supporting each other, and caring for the world. We are a progressive congregation affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism. We value the diverse ways in which our members express their Jewish identities as we maintain an abiding respect for the traditions of the Jewish people. We offer opportunities for members of all ages and backgrounds to participate in a variety of ways, from ritual, to social justice, to the arts, to ways not yet imagined. We encourage our members’ involvement and creativity in shaping our community.

More About BHS…

We have shared celebrations, learning, service, and worship since our founding in 1960. Today we are a community of over 510 member units made up of families, couples, and singles who live not only in nearby Brownstone Brooklyn neighborhoods and DUMBO, but also in Lower Manhattan and other neighborhoods throughout the city.

With a small full-time professional staff and an active membership, Brooklyn Heights Synagogue is proud to offer a full calendar of worship services, education programs, special events, and opportunities to engage in Tikkun Olam that reflect the diverse interests and needs of this community.  As a founding member of the New York City Emergency Shelter Network, Brooklyn Heights Synagogue has maintained a homeless shelter during the winter months for 37 years.

Under the leadership of our Director of Early Childhood Education, our Preschool currently serves more than 100 children, half of whom are from BHS families. Our Associate Rabbi-Educator oversees our Religious School for grades K-12, including post-b’nai mitzvah study featuring a 9th-grade trip to Israel led by our Rabbis. Congregational learning extends, as well, to adults of all ages and interests.

Rabbi Serge Lippe provides spiritual leadership for the congregation. He is assisted by our Cantor, Ayelet Porzecanski, our Executive Assistant to the Clergy, Isabel Benebgui-Montilla, and Associate Rabbi, Bailey Romano. We offer Friday evening Shabbat services and Saturday morning Torah study every week throughout the year, in addition to High Holiday and Festival worship services. All are welcome to worship with us.

Brooklyn Heights Synagogue is a lay-led community governed by a Board of Trustees and an Executive Committee that meet regularly. Our members are actively involved in all aspects of congregational life, from shaping policies and organizing events to planning the growth of our community.

Brooklyn Heights Bylaws
Annual Report May 2020