Brotherhood of Temple Beth-El of Great Neck, the home of sophisticated intellectual Judaism on Long Island and a vibrant center for Jewish cultural arts, will host a book presentation from Brad Kolodny, author “Synagogues on Long Island and Jews of Long Island” on Sunday, Jan. 12, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
“As the fourth largest Jewish community in the United States after New York City, Los Angeles and southern Florida, it was surprising to me that little had been written about the history of Judaism on Long Island,” Kolodny said. “The suburban community east of New York City is well known for its rapid growth following World War II, but details about Jewish life prior to 1945 were not easy to come by.”
Conducting research, the author traveled hundreds of miles to communities all over Nassau and Suffolk counties and photographed 385 synagogue buildings.
“Many synagogues currently operate on Long Island, but exactly how many had never been tabulated?” Kolodny asked. “The challenge was to fill in the blanks by digging deep through research, but also by visiting these synagogues and meeting with clergy, professional staff, lay leaders and congregants who could provide their own firsthand perspectives about Judaism on Long Island and how it has evolved over the decades.”
The community is welcome to attend this presentation by Kolodny and will be able to purchase his books and have them signed.
Brotherhood of Temple Beth-El has a long and proud tradition of serving both the synagogue and the local community.
The group is committed to living Jewish values and helping those in need. Brotherhood is especially proud of its commitment to the Great Neck Interfaith Food Pantry at St. Aloysius Church and works year-round to help support this vital community resource.
Register for breakfast and the presentation at bit.ly/4iumjdI.
Temple Beth-El, a leader in shaping the future of pluralistic Judaism on the western North Shore, is located at 5 Old Mill Road and welcomes new members. Schedule a new member tour or learn more at www.tbegreatneck.org, 516-487-0900 or info@tbegreatneck.org.
