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A Few Clouds RVC synagogues officially merge
Central Synagogue of Nassau County and Reconstructionist Congregation Beth Emeth have officially consolidated after it was approved by the New York State Supreme Court on Nov. 18.
The entity will now be known as Central Synagogue-Beth Emeth and will continue to operate in Central’s building on DeMott Ave. in Rockville Centre. Beth Emeth rented space there after leaving Hewlett in 2012.
The two congregations began working together since Beth Emeth’s arrival and members of both communities thought consolidating was the logical next step. They voted overwhelmingly in favor of the merge in May.
“The joining of our two congregations is a natural development of the cooperation since Beth Emeth moved to Rockville Centre and created a new sense of partnership with Central Synagogue,” said Beth Emeth Rabbi Elliot Skiddell. “Beth Emeth truly found a warm and welcoming home and we look forward to the opportunity to welcome many more people from our surrounding communities to join us and feel welcome in our new home.”
During the consolidation process, the congregations held town hall meetings in an attempt to bring its members together. The main questions asked during those sessions were about the similarities and differences between reform and reconstructionist Judaism.
The rabbis helped by pointing out the values of both communities about God, the Torah and Israel. That led to an organizational model that met the needs of all Jewish community members, whether or not they were members.
“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,” said Central Synagogue Rabbi Marc Gruber. “We have been building community for the past four 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.”
The Central-Synagogue Beth Emeth will continue to serve participants from across Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, Brooklyn, and beyond.
