Congregants connect at ‘Wedding Shower’ BBQ

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People aren’t the only ones who can get married.

Central Synagogue of Nassau County and Reconstructionist Congregation Beth Emeth, who officially consolidated last November, will say, “I do” on December 16 during a wedding ceremony. Members of each gathered together last Sunday for a wedding shower celebration ahead of the symbolic marriage.

“With the wedding…this is our spiritual coming together,” said Joy Gluzman, Central Synagogue – Beth Emeth’s program and social media coordinator . “What we’ve really been doing since the consolidation [became] official is really celebrating our past and also now journeying into the future as this connected congregation and our vision for what Judaism looks like on the South Shore of Long Island in the 21st century.”

Beth Emeth sold their building in Hewlett in 2012 and moved into Central Synagogue’s building on DeMott Avenue in Rockville Centre. “Soon after they came, it was obvious that there were opportunities for partnership,” Gluzman said. “…Slowly but surely, the congregations began to come together.”

More than 100 people attended the shower, as congregants enjoyed a barbecue and time together in the summer sun with activities for children and music by Dan Zlotnick. Much of the food was donated by members, Gluzman said, and many have been contributing toward things the synagogue needs — like new windows or sponsorship for the receptions after Friday night services — through an online registry.

“The wedding shower was a fun way to kick things off and get people excited,” Gluzman said. “It was beautiful, and really a great day of community. It really felt like a connected moment.”

To donate, visit the online registry at http://www.simpleregistry.com/csbeli/.