The Community Synagogue is a Reform Jewish Congregation which seeks to fulfill its religious and ethical goals by being a center for spiritual fulfillment, lifelong learning, cultural enrichment, community leadership, social responsibility, and by lovingly entrusting our Reform Jewish tradition from generation to generation. They are committed in their support of the State of Israel and of the Jewish people throughout the world.
Chabad of Port Washington, founded in 1991 with the guidance and blessing of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, is nurtured and supported by concerned members of communities on Long Island's North Shore. Chabad is dedicated to the re-establishment and strengthening of our Judaic faith, principles, identity, commitment and pride.
Chabad House is a unique and vibrant center, providing a home away from home for any man, woman or youngster who walks through its doors. It's Rabbis, staff and volunteer workers are pioneers in the most literal sense, treading a path and showing the way to bring the light of Torah and Jewish tradition to all Jews. Acceptance of every Jew on their own level, regardless of their level of religious commitment or practice, has become a trademark of Chabad. And by blending traditional values with modern day techniques, we have been successful in reaching even the most alienated, helping them appreciate their roots and identify with their Judaisn with pride.
Thanks to G-d's infinite blessings and the generous support and involvement of members of the community, Chabad of Port Washington has grown rapidly during these ten years. Three years ago we embarked on a new, exciting project: The establishment of an impressive educational campus and Jewish day school in Port Washington. This impressive center has enabled us to do much more. It includes a shul, preschool, day school, Jewish Library and social hall. This year we plan to complete a second phase of construction that will include five classrooms, a gym/lunchroom, science and computer labs, general studies library, music center, resource room, and an ultra-modern mikvah. It's doors will always be open to every single Jew, regardless of their affiliation and background or lack thereof.
Other programs by Chabad:
- Congregation Chabad
- Chabad Hebrew School
- Chabad Academy of Science & the Humanities
- Florence Brownstein Preschool
- Max & Ruth Schwartz Elementary
- Berkowitz Day Camp
- Mei Menachem Ritual Mikvah
- Holiday Awareness Programs
- Hospital Visitation Program
- Crisis Intervention & Counseling
- Mitzvah Campaigns
- Shabbatons
- Adult Education
- L'Chayim Publication
Located in Port Washington, the Florence Brownstein Preschool works tirelessly to foster the healthy development of children through art, language and the promotion of Jewish identity. Florence Brownstein's nurturing staff of certified early childhood educators have created a curriculum designed to facilitate the growth of the school's students through music, stories and creative play. Children will engage in a variety of academic- and lifestyle-based activities, including baking, yoga and science projects, all aimed at reinforcing core math and reading skills in preparation for their kindergarten years. In addition, the school works to incorporate elements of the Jewish faith into its robust curriculum, including informal integration of the Hebrew language into daily activities and the reinforcement of Jewish values.
All of this is housed in a state-of-the-art facility, complete with brightly lit, welcoming indoor classrooms, play areas and outdoor playgrounds. Each classroom includes a full kitchenette, mini-bathrooms, fully-equipped security system and full-time instructor supervision, with up to three teachers in a classroom at any one time.
In 2011, Florence Brownstein will also add two brand-new facilities to its already outstanding offerings. Florence's Mini-Israel is functioning, child-size replication of Israeli life right inside the school's indoor gym, complete with Jewish signage and music. In this dual play/education space, students will develop their gross motor skills as they explore the facility's many activities, including shops, an excavation site, a miniature climbing wall and a live feed to the Western Wall in Jersusalem.
Florence's one-third acre Discovery Island is an outdoor classroom that will reproduce the nautical flavor of Port Washington while enabling children to learn and explore in a fun, invigorating environment. On Discovery Island, children will be able to explore a lighthouse and sunken ship and partake in numerous activities in the site's yoga/storytime stadium, herbal gardens and rock climbing area.
For more information, or to enroll your child, please contact the Florence Brownstein Preschool at the provided telephone number.
In 1970, eleven Port Washington families formed Port Jewish Center. They had no rabbi and no building, but they did have an ark, built by one of the members, a Torah rescued from the Holocaust, a pioneering spirit and commitment to practicing Judaism and to giving their children a Jewish education.
In the first year, congregants managed to organize a religious school, build a Sukkah, engage a cantor and a part-time Rabbi, and conduct High Holy Day services where everyone, member or not, was welcome. Cantor Herb Strauss served, initially in a volunteer position, from 1970 until his death in2007. His thirty-seven year tenure offered long-term stability to PJC as we welcomed a series of student rabbis to our growingto our congregation. By 1981 PJC had its first permanent Rabbi, Donna Berman, who led the congregation for twelve years. In 1993, Rabbi Beth Davidson became our leader for the next twelve years. Our congregation acquired its permanent home on Manorhaven Boulevard in Port Washington in 1986 and successfully completed a major expansion and renovation in 2000.
Presently, PJC is led by Rabbi Sheila Goloboy and has 128 family member units, drawing its membership from Port Washington and nearby towns. It has a thriving religious school and a wide range of religious, educational and social programs. In our nearly 40-year history, the underlying values that shaped our congregation have not changed. PJC continues to welcome all who wish to worship with its warm, informal atmosphere and to encourage active participation in the life of our community. Our mission is as it has always been: to lead a Jewish life, to observe and preserve Jewish ritual and custom, to give our children a Jewish education, and to show compassion through acts of Tzedakah and Gemilut Chasadim (acts of loving kindness), both within the Jewish community and beyond.