Change is Happening

Excerpts from a letter dated August 8, 2024 from our Co-Presidents, Kara Mindel & Eliot Wolf

Honored Congregants,

All good things must come to an end. We are in a unique position where we can chose the path of our synagogue and ensure the legacy of all who have contributed to its longevity.

Despite Rabbi Klayman retiring at the end of this year, having lost our cantor a year ago, with a membership ravaged by changing demographics and a dwindling core of worshipers, we are blessed with two viable options to preserve our Temple's place in the Jewish community.

Those who devoted love, time, money and energy to the Temple, including Seymour Lopatow, may he rest in peace, Marc Eiseman, who served as president for thirteen years, and countless others, would be proud with either decision the congregation will chose to make.

The options are as follows:

1. Merge with Temple Israel of Great Neck

This is a very well regarded, multi-generational, egalitarian Conservative synagogue located on Old MIll Road, north of Great Neck Plaza. Our members will be warmly welcomed at Temple Israel, which would provide a vast array of educational programming, religious observance, and social engagement opportunities.

Additionally, our loved ones who have passed would be memorialized at Temple Israel. LSJC members would also be added to Temple Israel’s Board of Trustees and invited to join their many committees and affinity groups. Their Shabbat services are generally well attended followed by a catered kiddush luncheon, they conduct a minyan twice daily, and all of their services can also be attended via Zoom.

Our membership dues would be discounted and weekly no-cost transportation would be provided from North Shore Towers. Our Rabbi’s house would be sold, and Mel would also have time to live in his house for an extended period. This structure would provide funds for any and all synagogue needs and for continued employment for Mel.

Furthermore, in order to protect the legacy of our synagogue, the LSJC property would be sold to the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center for one million dollars, guaranteeing that the LSJC property would continue to serve a cause deeply rooted in Jewish history. The proceeds would further fund the balance of our Temple Israel merger.

2. Merge with Chabad of Lake Success

Lake Success Jewish Center will remain and continue as an egalitarian Conservative synagogue in the space we have grown to love and cherish. This continuity allows us to uphold our cherished traditions and keep the memorial plaques that honor our loved ones in place, as well as allow the comforts of being in our own home and space.

In an inspiring collaboration, we will merge with the members of Lake Success Chabad, many of whom share our Conservative traditions. There will be a separate Conservative Rabbi specifically for the Lake Success Jewish Center to lead our services and we will continue having services, at our current location, as we usually do. This merger brings with it exciting opportunities, including a thriving Hebrew School and the Kids After School Club. All children and grandchildren of Lake Success Jewish Center members can participate in these programs FREE of charge. In addition, membership for current Lake Success Jewish Center members will be FREE. Mel too, will continue in his current role, ensuring stability and continuity within our synagogue's operations.

This merger presents a wonderful opportunity to unite two synagogues within our village, showcasing a beautiful display of unity. It will infuse youth and vitality into our community through joint programs and events. These programs include the Jewish Art Zone, Smiles on Seniors, and Exciting Game Nights. These offerings will enhance our community life and provide enriching experiences for all ages. Most importantly, this will help allow us to continue in our Synagogue and it being a hub of Jewish Life & Jewish Life Cycle Events, securing a brighter Jewish Future, fostering Jewish continuity right here in South Great Neck, in Lake Success.

. . .

Who is allowed to vote? Anyone listed as an adult member-max 2 per household if a “family”; if a single member, only one vote.

Presentations by Temple Israel and Chabad will be made that evening [September 3 at 7:30pm], any questions you have will be answered as well.

The majority of the vote will determine which path the temple will take.

Respectfully submitted,

Kara Mindel and Eliot Wolf
Co-Presidents