Our Rabbi

Rabbi Ilene Harkavy Haigh, just began her thirteenth year as the rabbi at Shir Shalom VT in Woodstock.

A graduate of Hebrew Union College/Jewish Institute of Religion, she is deeply committed to the cause of liberal and progressive Judaism. She is eager to share her love of Judaism and her spiritual commitment with the greater Woodstock community. In addition to serving the needs of our local long-standing community, she sees her mandate as supporting Jewish life in the area at large.

If you are a resident in Central Vermont, a snowbird or a skier, or just here enjoying the beauty of Woodstock, Killington, Quechee or any of our surrounding areas, please feel free to be in touch with Rabbi Haigh. Call us at (802) 457-4840 or join us for Shabbat Worship on the first and third Friday evening of every month.

Prior to coming to Shir Shalom VT, Rabbi Haigh served as a student rabbi and sole clergy at North Fork Reform Synagogue in Cutchogue, Long Island. She also served as a Tisch Rabbinic Intern at Congregation B’nai Israel in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Prior to ordination, Rabbi Haigh served for seven years as a chaplain and student rabbi at Sarah Neuman Center/ Jewish Home and LifeCare in Mamaroneck, New York.

She has been the recipient of many rabbinic fellowships and awards including the prestigious Bonnie and Daniel Tisch Leadership Fellowship; The Alexander and Anna Lurie Prize in Human relations; the Michael Chernick Prize in Rabbinic Literature; the Dreyfus award in human relations, and the Weisman Memorial Prize in Homiletics.

A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Summa Cum Laude, she had a very successful 19-year career in banking before deciding to pursue her lifelong interest in Judaism and deep desire to serve the Jewish community.

Rabbi Haigh has lived in New York, Edinburgh, Bangkok, London, and Jerusalem. She is married with three wonderful children. She currently splits her time between her homes in Mamaroneck, New York, and Woodstock, Vermont.