Central Synagogue celebrates 80 years

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Last week, Central Synagogue of Nassau County celebrated its 80th anniversary with a special celebration.

Synagogue members past and present gathered at the building, located at 430 DeMott Ave., to celebrate the congregation’s long history. The evening included speeches and congratulations for the synagogue, and even a special video message from comedians Dave Attell and Rory Albanese, who are former members.

And while the congregation was celebrating its history, it was also cementing its future. Central Synagogue recently announced that it would be officially merging with Congregation Beth Emeth, which currently shares the building.

The two congregations have been occupying the same building and working together for years, but they had remained separate. Pending approval from the New York State Supreme Court, the congregations will merge into Central Synagogue-Beth Emeth. The new congregation will be led by both Rabbi Marc Gruber of Central Synagogue and Rabbi Elliot Skiddell of Beth Emeth.

“Our consolidation into a single organizational structure seems like a natural step on our way to creating a new model for the suburban Jewish congregation,” Gruber said. “We have been building community for the past three and a half years and will work creatively to engage other synagogues and organizations in our effort to create a vibrant Jewish community on the South Shore of Nassau County.”