ABOUT US

Temple Israel of South Merrick, founded in 1963, was formed to provide potential members with a more modern conservative Judaism than was available in the immediate area. It continuously lives up to its mission. The idea was conceived by seven families in the Spring of 1963 and became a reality shortly thereafter, with thirty member families, in a rented store in the Holiday Park shopping center. By the end of 1963 membership had grown to 100 families and a Sisterhood and Men’s Club were formed.

Temple Israel sponsored dinners, dances, bazaars and other social activities to obtain needed monies, and by the end of 1964 was able to purchase a 1 1/4 acre lot on the corner of Clubhouse Road and Bernard Street. By 1965 the membership had grown to 200 families. Temple Israel moved into its new building at 2655 Clubhouse Road in the latter half of 1968.

In 1970 participation of female congregants in the synagogue rituals took a step forward when, on Rosh Hashanah, two women were called to sit on the Bema.

Temple Israel saw difficult times when in the Spring of 1974 a major fire destroyed much of the inside of the existing building. By September, the fire damage was repaired and the new sanctuary wing complete.

The current facility was officially dedicated on April 6, 1975. Since that date our members have celebrated countless happy life cycle events and have gathered together for mutual help and support during times of trouble.

We have a minyan at eight o’clock in the evening, Monday through Thursday. Friday Evening Shabbat services are at eight o’clock. Sabbath morning services begin at nine o’clock. Our members are not just congregants. We are all part of a Temple Israel Extended Family!

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