Synagogues Consolidate To Form Temple Emanu-El Of The South Shore

LONG BEACH, NY — A pair of synagogues is joining forces to form one congregation. After two years of legal maneuvering, Temple Emanu-El in Long Beach and South Shore Jewish Center in Island Park have become Temple Emanu-El of the South Shore.

"[It] opened a lot of talks and meetings to see if we could pull this off," said Yvette Oppenheim, president of the new synagogue. "It was very amicable. We really had a nice conversation the whole time."

While they agreed on the new name, Temple Emanu-El Rabbi Jack Zanerhaft will lead the congregants in this expanded version at his familiar location.

"The [South Shore] rabbi retired, so that was very organic," she said. "From day one, they knew the rabbi wouldn't be there."

Oppenheim estimates that 50 to 60 families from South Shore Jewish Center will make the move for services in Long Beach. But she said members in Long Beach will not need a new membership until their regular term is up for renewal.

"They are not merging into our temple. We are consolidating with each other," Oppenheim told Patch. "They will have equal opportunities for opinions [and] ideas."

During the process, requirements from Attorney General Letitia James were put in place. Ultimately, it had to get approval from the state Supreme Court.

With everyone officially signed off, congregants will gather together in time for Rosh Hashanah next week.

On Oct. 15, they'll hold a Parade of Torahs as they walk the holy scrolls from Island Park to Long Beach. Additionally, a gala dinner is scheduled for Nov. 8, when they will also celebrate Temple Emanu-El's 80th birthday.

"We're very excited about this," Oppenheim said. "It really ensures our future. It's very good for the Jewish population to continue to have social activities."

One of the new programs is "Saturday Night Kids Club," where parents can drop off their children. "We will provide activities, programs [and] snacks for the kids," she said.

Oppenheim said this consolidation will not only revitalize the Jewish community but will also help the synagogue's octogenarian infrastructure.

"Our roofs are shot. It gives us the opportunity to freshen up everything," she said.