An egalitarian & inclusive shul
History
The Lawrence Jewish Community Congregation (LJCC) was founded in 1954 by a small group of Jewish families living in the Lawrence area. Prior to 1954, there had been no place of worship for Jews, and today the LJCC is still the area’s only egalitarian congregation. It is both a synagogue and a center for Jewish life in Lawrence. The LJCC provides Friday night Shabbat services, either in-person or virtually, a single Saturday Torah service a month, and full High Holiday and festival services. Services are in Hebrew and English, with much community singing. The LJCC is unaffiliated and alternates the use of Reform, Conservative, and Reconstructionist prayer books.
Community Norms & Values
We are a pluralistic and egalitarian community. Our mission is to be an inclusive and thriving center of Jewish spiritual, cultural, and social life in the Lawrence area. We welcome a diverse spectrum of Jews and their Jewish-adjacent loved ones. The LJCC is currently striving to become a safe and affirming congregation for queer and trans members of our community. If you have any questions or feedback and wish to help us succeed in becoming a truly safe space, please send an email to Program and Engagement Director, Lara Giordano at lgiordanoljcc@gmail.com.
These congregational values lay out Jewish principles and practices that we strive to follow:
Thu, April 3 2025
5 Nisan 5785
-
Friday ,
AprApril 4 , 2025
Friday, Apr 4th 6:00p to 8:00p
Cheryl Lester is in town and leading services! Potluck oneg to follow. Please note the early start time of 6pm. -
Sunday ,
AprApril 6 , 2025Services 101: A workshop for new service leaders & perplexed participants. Session 2 Topic - Prayer
Sunday, Apr 6th 3:00p to 4:30p
Understanding keva (doing it right) and kavannah (feeling it) through close readings, deep engagement, and thinking through how to make the text your own. -
Sunday ,
AprApril 13 , 2025
Sunday, Apr 13th 4:30p to 8:00p
Join us for a community-led second-night Seder. -
Saturday ,
AprApril 19 , 2025
Shabbat, Apr 19th 10:30a to 1:00p
Alyssa Appelman leads with a D'var Torah on our ecological responsibilities. Vegan Kiddish lunch to follow. -
Monday ,
AprApril 21 , 2025Muralist Dave Loewenstein
Monday, Apr 21st 6:00p to 7:00p
The LJCC is exploring a possible partnership with local muralist Dave Loewenstein to adorn our humble building with a community-created mural! Come meet Dave and learn about his work. -
Wednesday ,
AprApril 23 , 2025
Wednesday, Apr 23rd 7:00p to 8:30p
Though Lawrence Jews incorporated a congregation and acquired Bene Israel cemetery in 1869, it took nearly 80 years to acquire a building and more than a century to use Bene Israel as a communal burial grounds. Professor Emeritus David Katzman's talk will illuminate the history of earlier Lawrence Jewish communities, organizations and individuals, and explain why Lawrence Jews did not form a permanent organization until after World War II. -
Friday ,
AprApril 25 , 2025
Friday, Apr 25th 5:30p to 7:00p
Join us for an early family-friendly nosh and Shabbat. We'll Nosh and then Shabbat with services starting at 6:30pm. The LJCC will provide a main. Potluck contributions are encouraged. If possible, let us know in the notes section what you will bring. -
Saturday ,
AprApril 26 , 2025"Transplanting Heritage:" Reception & Havdalah at the Watkins
Shabbat, Apr 26th 6:00p to 7:30p
The LJCC is partnering with the Watkins for a reception & Havdalah during the "Transplanting Heritage: Judaica from the Klein Collection" Exhibit. See the exhibit at 6pm before a Havdalah observance at 7pm with the LJCC Ritual Committee. -
Sunday ,
MayMay 4 , 2025
Sunday, May 4th 3:00p to 4:30p
A look at the daily prayer cycle, the weekly liturgical cycle, and the annual cycles of Torah readings and holidays.
Joing our Mailing List
Email lawrencejcc@gmail.com to subscribe!
Upcoming Events:
Privacy Settings | Privacy Policy | Member Terms
©2025 All rights reserved. Find out more about ShulCloud