Congregation Hesed Shel Emet was founded in 1892. Many of its original founding families are still members of our congregation to this day. We are proud to celebrate over 125 years in Pottstown. 

Congregation Hesed Shel Emet (Mercy & Truth) is an independent synagogue with its roots in Conservative Judaism. Our members form a warm, welcoming and close-knit community that is modern in its outlook. We regularly host meals and celebrations that are intimate yet engaging, fun and festive. 

We believe that the Jewish tradition is a source of joy, hope, and healing. Our religious services for Shabbat and Festivals are filled with a sense of celebration and warmth.

If it has been a while since you have been to synagogue, we invite you to rediscover your heritage. We promise you will feel welcomed without being overwhelmed.   Whether you are observant and knowledgeable, searching  to reconnect, or trying to enhance how you worship and celebrate, you will find an environment  where you can practice and explore Judaism at your own comfort level.   An open and accepting congregation, we  welcome traditional and non-traditional , Jewish and interfaith families.   You will meet individuals, couples, people with children and  grandchildren,  those that grew up here, and newcomers to our congregation.  We represent a range of familiarity with, understanding and observance of Jewish religious doctrines, so you can be certain there is a place for you.

We are proud to maintain two Jewish cemeteries in Pottstown, and have a Chevra Kadisha that has been continually operating for close to 150 years.

Our Rabbi, Rabbi Cynthia Kravitz, provides warm and dynamic leadership, and is involved in all aspects of our community. With her, we strengthen our commitment to Jewish life, prayer, study and action.

In 2016, we sold our Keim Street building to Bethel Community Church of Pottstown. We are proud and honored to continue to worship in the building, alongside our friends at BCCP, whose support has become so vital to our congregation. 

Our congregation has changed and adapted over our 125 year history, but our commitment to the preservation of Pottstown’s Jewish community has not wavered.