The Jewish Community of Vienna (Israelitische Kultusgemeinde Wien, or IKG Wien) is the largest Jewish community in Austria and one of the most dynamic Jewish communities in Europe. Today the IKG counts around 8,000 registered members, while approximately 12,000 Jews live in Vienna overall.
Unity in diversity: the IKG as an "Einheitsgemeinde"
The IKG Wien is a unified community ("Einheitsgemeinde") as it serves all Jews living in Vienna, regardless of their level of religious observance or cultural background.
This diversity is one of the defining characteristics of Jewish life in Vienna today. The plurality of backgrounds, traditions and degrees of observance is reflected in the institutions, religious services, educational offerings and cultural programmes of the IKG.
A vibrant and active community
Vienna’s Jewish community offers a wide range of religious, cultural, educational, social and youth-oriented activities. These include:
- Multiple synagogues and prayer services, with the Vienna City Temple (Stadttempel) serving as the spiritual centre
- Schools and educational institutions, such as the Zwi Peres Chajes School and the JBBZ
- Social and care services, such as the Maimonides Centre and the ESRA psychosocial centre
- Cultural events such as concerts, lectures, exhibitions and community celebrations
- Youth and outreach programmes for children, students and young adults
Many of these institutions are in the second district of Vienna, Leopoldstadt, historically one of the main centres of Jewish life in Vienna.
History: From destruction to renewal
Vienna’s Jewish presence dates back many centuries. The Shoah led to the destruction of this flourishing community of approximately 200,000 members. After 1945, only a small number of Jews remained in Vienna.
In the post-war decades, the community gradually rebuilt its religious, social and cultural structures. Immigration - especially from Eastern Europe and later from the former Soviet Union - contributed significantly to the re-establishment and diversification of Jewish life in Vienna. Today, the IKG is regarded as a confident and forward-looking community deeply rooted in Austrian society while maintaining strong international connections.
Organisational structure
The IKG is a legally recognized religious community with elected leadership:
- President: Oskar Deutsch (since 2012)
- Vice-Presidents: Elected by the Board
- Community Board: Elected by members and responsible for governance and policy
- General Secretariat: Responsible for the daily administration and implementation of decisions
Rabbinate
The Rabbinate oversees religious life within the IKG and at the Vienna City Temple.
- Chief Rabbi: Jaron Engelmayer
- Community Rabbi: Schlomo Hofmeister
- Chief Cantor: Shmuel Barzilai
The Rabbinate is responsible for religious services, lifecycle events, halakhic guidance, education, pastoral care and interfaith dialogue.
Contact
Israelitische Kultusgemeinde Wien (IKG Wien)
Seitenstettengasse 2
1020 Vienna
Austria
- General Office: office@ikg-wien.at
- Membership Service: service@ikg-wien.at
- Rabbinate: rabbinat@ikg-wien.at