About Us
HISTORY
Congregation Sons of Israel was founded in 1928 and held its first High Holiday services at the local Woodmere Fire House. The first synagogue building was erected in 1933, followed by a Youth Center in 1935, largely due to the financial support of several devoted members. As the community grew, so did the synagogue. From the start, the synagogue's focus was on Jewish education for the throngs of young families and children that were settling in this growing area of Long Island. As a result, a Hebrew School was immediately established to serve their needs and today stands as one of Congregation Sons of Israel's proudest contributions to the community.
Over the years, the congregation has been served by distinguished Rabbis: Rabbi David Rubin (1932-1942,), Rabbi Elias Blackowitz (1942-1946), Rabbi Irving Miller (1946-1963), Rabbi Saul Teplitz (1963-1991), Rabbi Dr. Bruce Ginsburg (1991-2022). We are honored to have Rabbi Steven Saks currently serving our congregation.
A Traditional Conservative Synagogue. Congregation Sons of Israel holds a unique place in Jewish life in Woodmere and the Five Towns area. From its inception, the congregation has strived to embrace the diverse spiritual and social needs of its community. Congregation Sons of Israel reaches out to families, couples, singles, young and old who think traditional Jewish values have retained their relevance to modern life and believe that secular concerns can coexist comfortably with religious ideals. Our synagogue is dedicated to enriching the religious, educational, and social experience of its members.
Rabbi - Steven Saks
In September 2022 Rabbi Steven Saks assumed the position as spiritual leader at Congregation Sons Of Israel in Woodmere NY. Rabbi Saks served as the full-time spiritual leader of Adas Kodesch Shel Emeth Congregation in Wilmington, DE from 2008-2022 and at Adath Zion Congregation in Philadelphia from 2006-2008. He currently serves as a vice president for Morasha, the rabbinic fellowship of the Union for Traditional Judaism. Rabbi Saks received s’micha (rabbinic ordination) in August 2006 from Kollel Ayshel Avraham in Spring Valley, NY and a subsequent s’micha from faculty of the Institute of Traditional Judaism 2012. He holds a Master of Science degree in Human Resource Development from Towson University, a Bachelor of Arts degree from the State University of New York at Oswego, as well as a black belt in Jiu Jitsu. Prior to coming to Adas Kodesch Shel Emeth, in August 2008, his past experiences include teaching classes in religious and secular studies, working as a hospital chaplain, serving as a Big Brother through the Jewish Big Brother/Sister League, teaching Jiu Jitsu and participating, on two occasions, in the Volunteers for Israel Army Program.
Rabbi Saks has twice served as the head of the Delaware Association of Rabbis and Cantors, headed the Vaad HaKashrut of Delaware,), was the rabbinical head of the Chevra kaddisha (burial society), leads AIPAC delegations, organized a communal trip to Israel with other local synagogues and has served on the boards of various communal organizations.
Rabbi Saks and his wife, Anne, a high school math teacher, have four daughters; Talia, age 16, Gavriella, age 14 and twins Elisheva and Margalit age 12.
Rabbi Emeritus - Bruce Ginsburg
Rabbi Bruce Ginsburg assumed the pulpit at Congregation Sons of Israel in 1991. A product of Boston University, New York's Jewish Theological Seminary, and Jerusalem's Hebrew University, he holds a doctorate in Hebrew literature. Known for his decades-old activism on behalf of Israel, Soviet Jewry, and intra/interfaith cooperation, he has served both as president of the Long Island Board of Rabbis and as president of the Union for Traditional Judaism. His essays have appeared in Newsday, the Christian Science Monitor, the Jerusalem Report, and other publications.
Executive/Educational Director - Harriet Gefen
Harriet Gefen began her association with Congregation Sons of Israel in 1987 as Educational Director of the synagogue and assumed the additional position of Executive Director in 1997. A graduate of Columbia University, Barnard College, Harriet holds a Bachelors degree in Psychology and Education, NYS and NYC teachers licenses as well as a permanent principal’s license from the Board of Jewish Education. She earned a Masters of Education degree in Mental Health and School Counseling from Queens College and is a fellow of the Jewish Educators Assembly.
In her capacity as Educational/Executive Director, she has introduced a number of innovative and creative programs including Mechina Hebrew School classes for 4-7 year olds, Mommy and Me and Summer camp Nursery programs, Ganoni - Hebrew immersion Pre-school program for 18 month olds - 4 year olds, Shalhevet - Religious School program for Israeli Hebrew speaking children . Harriet was the founder of the community supported Sulam-LI- The Religious School for Jewish Children with Special Needs which is housed at The Friedberg JCC in Oceanside.
Contact Harriet Gefen at: Hagefencsoi@aol.com Phone: 516 374-0655
Dr. Mark Kavarsky - President
Elena Dredger - Chairperson of the Board
Stephen Kronick- Vice Chairperson
Warren Prosky - First Vice President
David Hirsh - Second Vice President
Howard Brenner - Treasurer
Madeline Lavin - Recording Secretary
Randy Alpert - Exec. Comm. Chairperson