Temple Israel in Long Beach celebrates 100 years with historic landmark designation

Temple Israel, the oldest functioning synagogue in Nassau County, marked its 100th year of worship last week with a brand new, bright blue historic landmark for the building on Riverside Boulevard. The designation was granted by the Jewish Historical Society of Long Island.

“No doubt we’ll plan an event of some nature,” Rabbi Elliott Federlan said. “We’re still in the planning stage. We would like to get the other synagogues involved, in addition to the city. This is a rather historic event, and the community at large should be involved. That’s important to us.”

New York state discontinued its historical marker program in the late 1930s, so the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, a private philanthropic organization based in Syracuse, stepped in to continue the initiative, and its work continues today. Temple Israel provided information verifying its history to the foundation, submitting the congregation’s 1920 certificate of incorporation and a newspaper article from the Brooklyn Eagle from Sept. 1, 1924, reporting on the synagogue’s opening.

“Temple Israel in Long Beach is the oldest continuously operated synagogue building in Nassau County,” Brad Kolodny, president of the Jewish historical society, said. “So the 100th anniversary of the synagogue building was the perfect time to celebrate the congregation and honor the building with a historic marker.”

Temple Israel’s roots trace back to a time when Long Beach was an exclusive resort city, largely restricted to upper-class, white Protestants. Before World War I, many ethnic groups, including Jews, were not welcome, aside from merchants. By 1920, however, a small group of Jewish summer residents began gathering to hold religious services.

That June, meetings were held at the homes of Bernard Rothblatt and Harry Stoll to organize services for the growing Jewish community. The first High Holy Day services were conducted that year at the Nassau Hotel, courtesy of proprietor Joel Hillman, with the Rev. Harry Siegal and Cantor Joseph Goldfarb leading the congregation. Afterward, about $400 in donations was set aside to establish a building fund for a future synagogue.

By 1922, enough money had been raised to purchase five lots at the intersection of Riverside Boulevard and Walnut Street, where a new synagogue would be built. Through successful fundraising efforts, including a theater party that raised $20,000, construction of Temple Israel began, and on Aug. 31, 1924, the synagogue was dedicated. Known officially as Congregation Temple Israel of Long Beach, it was chartered by the state.

Throughout its history, Temple Israel has served not only as a religious institution but also as a community hub. In the 1960s, under the leadership of board President Irving H. Engel, the congregation expanded its facilities with the construction of the Rose and Irving H. Engel Center, dedicated in 1966. This space, along with the synagogue’s other facilities, has long been available to the community, hosting events ranging beyond religious services.

“We have a beautiful ballroom — the synagogue can hold over 500 people, so it’s the largest facility here,” Neal Peysner, co-president of the current board of trustees, said. “And whenever another synagogue in the community needs extra space or their space can’t accommodate, they know they can always call on us. We’re open to all of them.”

Temple Israel’s enduring presence is deeply tied to its commitment to inclusivity and community engagement. The synagogue has maintained egalitarian practices, allowing men and women to participate equally in services. This progressive approach has helped attract a diverse membership and fostered a sense of belonging among congregants.

“Women are involved in all aspects — services, on the board — which is a very good feeling,” Hebrew teacher Revi Spinks said. “We all have something to offer, and we work together like a big team.”

Like so many religious institutions, however, Temple Israel faces challenges in maintaining its membership and ensuring continuity. Many longtime members have moved away from Long Beach, and that has raised concerns about attracting new members, particularly young people who may not have the same connection to the area.

For now, though, the synagogue is preparing for the High Holy Days, with observances that will begin with a Selichot service on Sept. 28, at 8 p.m., marking a period of reflection and prayers for forgiveness in preparation for Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. Additional services include Mincha, on Oct. 2, at 5:30 p.m., Shacharit, on Oct. 3, at 9 a.m., followed by the Tashlich ceremony at 5 p.m. that day, and Mincha, at 6 p.m. On Oct. 4, Shacharit will be held at 9 a.m., with Mincha concluding the day at 5:45 p.m.

Looking to the future, Temple Israel’s leadership hopes to expand its role as a community center, to not only serve its Jewish members, but also to engage more actively with the greater Long Beach community.