Rabbi Jonathan Kligler

Rabbi Jonathan Kligler has been the spiritual leader of Kehillat Lev Shalem, the Woodstock Jewish Congregation, since 1988.  During that time, Rabbi Jonathan, as he is called, has overseen the growth of the congregation from a small once-a-month gathering into a thriving Jewish community with 400 member families and thousands of friends and supporters.  The synagogue is known throughout the Hudson Valley of New York and beyond for its welcoming and heart-opening atmosphere, innovative and inspiring approach to religious practice, and great music.  Kehillat Lev Shalem means  The Congregation of a Full Heart, and Rabbi Jonathan has a gift for touching hearts and opening minds in an atmosphere of genuine respect. 

Rabbi Jonathan is an accomplished singer and folk guitarist.  His most recent recording is a collaboration with African American folksingers Kim and Reggie Harris entitled "Let My People Go: A Jewish and African American Celebration of Freedom".  

Rabbi Jonathan was ordained by the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in 1989, and is a member of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association.  Prior to his rabbinical training, Rabbi Jonathan was a professional dancer, mime and children¹s performer, with a focus on improvisation. He lives in Woodstock, New York with his wife Ellen Jahoda, a visual artist and dancer, and their two daughters.  

Contact him at Rabbijonathan@wjcshul.org or by telephone (845) 679-2218 ext. 1

Karen Tashman; Executive Director

Karen Tashman serves as the Executive Director of Kehillat Lev Shalem / The Woodstock Jewish Congregation, joining the congregation in July 2007. Karen comes to us with an extensive background having spent over 20 years in Jewish communal work, most recently serving as the Executive Director of Congregation Shearith Israel in Atlanta, Georgia (1999-2007) and as the Rosh Chinuch (head of education) for Camp Ramah Darom (2002-2006). Karen’s love of synagogue life and passion for celebrating life through Torah values is contagious, making her compassionate, responsive to the needs of our community, and consistently striving to provide you with exceptional service. 

Karen is married to Dr Jeffrey Tashman and the mother of four, Philip, Shayna, Rebecca and Danielle.

Contact her at: Karen@wjcshul.org or by telephone (845) 679-2218 ext. 2

Julie Makowsky; Director of Congregational Learning

Julie joined the WJC staff in July 2008, coming from her most recent position as Director of Education for Temple Israel in Columbus Ohio. Julie brings with her great experience in formal and informal Jewish educational settings. 

We are delighted to welcome Julie, her husband Bob and their children to the Kehillat Lev Shalem community.

To reach Julie and the Family School Office, contact Julie@wjcshul.org or by telephone (845) 679-2218 ext. 6

Sandi Armstrong; Administrative Assistant

Contact her through the main phone line 845-679-2218 or by email at the General Mailbox: info@wjcshul.org

Zoe B. Zak; Rabbinic Assistant

Zoe, the newest member of our team, joined the staff of the Woodstock Jewish Congregation in August 2008. During the course of this year, Zoe will serve as our Rabbinic Assistant providing leadership training of service skills, offering pastoral outreach and working with Rabbi Jonathan on the coordination of Shabbat and Holiday services. 

Zoe, her husband Michael and their daughters are long-standing members of the Kehillat Lev Shalem family. Over the past many years, Zoe has served as a B'nai Mitzvah tutor and has conducted Shabbat services for the congregation.

Zoe can be reached at Zoe@wjcshul.org or by telephone (845) 679-2218 ext. 3