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Here we have collected details about Temple Beth-El’s visioning process, a library of updates from the Visioning Leadership Team, and sermons from our rabbis about aspects of the visioning process.
We are deeply grateful that our community is passionately committed to creating a robust life within our synagogue for the future. We stand on the shoulders of the generations of congregants that came before us, who built and sustained this community for nearly 100 years. Together, we have enabled Temple Beth-El of Great Neck to be the warm, close-knit, and inclusive Reform community we are today.
Our vision is for Temple Beth-El to remain a vibrant center of pluralistic Jewish life in Great Neck for many years to come.
- Rabbi Brian Stoller, Rosh Hashana Sermon, 2024
An open and inclusive congregation committed to the full and equal participation of every member; our mission is to support you in defining and being your authentic Jewish self.
Temple Beth-El of Great Neck is a vibrant Reform congregation serving Great Neck and surrounding communities in western Nassau County and eastern Queens. People join our congregation because they are seeking meaningful personal connections with clergy, a close-knit, family-like community, and a strong culture of sacred partnership and learning, in which members are deeply involved in creating the life of the synagogue.
TBE serves those who desire an authentic 21st-century Jewish experience and who share our commitments to inclusion, gender egalitarianism, full and equal participation of all, civic involvement, modern spirituality, social action, and support of the state of Israel.
We pursue our mission by offering our members opportunities for meaningful engagement with the five pillars of the Jewish tradition:
- TBE President Jordana Levine, 2025 Congregational Meeting
Our Visioning Team began its work in October 2023 with a two-day retreat. One day also included the Board of Trustees.
Since then, the committee has held weekly meetings to discuss progress toward our quarterly goals, keep the process moving forward, and ensure accountability. Smaller groups of the committee have focused on finances, opportunities for partnership and synergies, space-needs analysis, membership trends and demography, and more. Our team holds a day-long retreat each quarter to review our progress, set goals for the next quarter, and align our next steps with our Vivid Vision.
- From Frequently Asked Questions About Our Vivid Vision
Or watch the sermons below (due to a technical error we do not have video of the 5/31/24 sermon):
June 28, 2024
May 3, 2024
March 1, 2024
September 25, 2023
December 2, 2022
Q: Why are we looking to sell our building?
A: Our vision for the future includes achieving the financial sustainability that will make it possible for TBE to serve the next generations.
The Board has been consistent and clear that a key element of any plan for financial sustainability must include “rightsizing” our physical space. We simply do not need – and cannot afford – our current building. We have shared that the most promising approach is to sell our building and lease back the space we actually need. That will allow us to realize our vision for pluralistic Jewish life in northwestern Nassau and eastern Queens, while meeting our financial needs.
Instead of being a landlord to other organizations and having a growing financial responsibility to care for an aging building, our future and focus will wholly be on serving the members of our Jewish community.
Q: I understand we are planning to stay at 5 Old Mill Road in Great Neck for a long time, so why are we looking to sell the building and lease back some of the space?
A: We simply have more building than we need, and more than we can afford. The sale/lease-back approach both provides financial security for TBE and allows us the long-term use of the space we need. Without the sale, we would not receive the funds that will ensure fiscal security. Without the leaseback, we would have to leave Old Mill Road. We plan to stay on Old Mill Road for a long time! Meanwhile, we need to be open to new options as they present themselves.
Q: What is the status of the sale/leaseback?
A: As we have noted in previous updates, the process of selling the building and leasing back the space we need is moving forward. As discussed below in more detail, we are currently negotiating the final terms with the buyer. Everything is on track, and the schedule, although long, is exactly what we expected.
Q: What is the best source of information on the sale/leaseback and other aspects of the Visioning process?
A: The best, and only, authoritative source is official communications from Temple Beth-El, the Strategic Visioning Team and the synagogue Board of Trustees.
You can also reach out directly to Jordana Levine, Rabbi Stoller, or Stu Botwinick at any time. Please be in touch via Stu Botwinick.
Q: Why are there so many rumors about TBE’s plans?
A: People are talking about us because what TBE does matters, both to our congregants and to the greater community. TBE plays a central role in the life of its members, and we are looked to for leadership by many in the greater Jewish community and in the general community, as well. That status means that everything we do is closely scrutinized and is often a topic of (sometimes uninformed) conversation.
Q: Who is the buyer?
A: While there were several bidders, leadership chose to move forward with Yeshivat Kol Yaakov, which primarily serves the Sephardic community. In making that assessment, we looked at a wide array of factors, including purchase price, what space would be available for us to “lease back,” and which potential partner would be the best match for TBE (since we will need to work together closely). Ultimately and most importantly, the assessment process was done to identify the choice that is in the best interest of Temple Beth-El.
Q: What are the terms of the agreement?
A: The exact terms are still being finalized. While we have come to an agreement in principle, there are many additional factors, including the lease-back terms, that are a part of the equation. This is a complicated transaction, and the process is developing as we anticipated. The final details will be in the full contract and will be presented to the membership for consideration.
Q: That makes sense, but don’t you have any idea about how those things will play out?
A: Of course, but one of the responsibilities of TBE leadership is to balance the need for transparency with our membership against the reality that decisions are not final until both sides have formally agreed to them.
Q: Got it. Understanding that the details are not final, what space do we envision leasing back?
A: We are working toward an agreement under which TBE will maintain the approximate spaces that make up the original 1932 TBE footprint.
More specifically, we are looking at an agreement that gives TBE exclusive use of the following spaces:
We are also working toward securing periodic access to additional spaces in coordination with the new owner.
Q: Will we have enough space?
A: Yes. We are confident that this layout will allow us to serve our members today and into the future. (Please also see the questions below regarding Shabbat and High Holidays services.)
Q: What about the “lease-back” term?
A: We are looking at a 10-year lease, with an option to renew for another five years. This is a part of the negotiation. The temple’s interest is for maximum flexibility, allowing TBE to remain here for a long period of time, while also offering the option to move should a new opportunity arise that the membership thinks is better. At the same time, we must understand that our plans must also work with those of the new owner and their plans for the future of the building.
Q: What is the timeline? Is the process taking longer than anticipated?
A: We are on track with the timeline we shared with the membership on April 29, 2025. We still anticipate having a final agreement to present to the congregation this fall, keeping us on schedule for “closing” the sale in the spring of 2026.
Q: Who makes the decision about selling the building?
A: The congregational membership.
Thus far, the Leadership Team has worked under the direction of the Board, which is comprised of volunteer members of the congregation who have been elected by the greater membership to represent its best interests. Once the final contract has been negotiated, it will be brought for approval to the Board, which will then vote to bring the contract to the membership for its consideration. The membership will then vote to accept the contract or not. No sale of the building can happen without the affirmative vote of the membership.
Q: What happens next?
A: As we shared in our April 29 update, the next step in the process is to create a binding contract that would lead to a sale. We anticipate that this will take most, if not all, of the summer.
We expect to convene a Special Meeting of the Congregation to review and vote on the contract this fall.
If the congregation votes to move forward, the contract will need to be finalized and then approved by the New York State Attorney General.
Our best guess (emphasis on “guess”) is that a closing on the sale could take place in the spring of 2026.
Q: What happened with the consolidation talks with Temple Tikvah?
A: As we got deeper into those talks, it became clear that Temple Tikvah and TBE were not a good fit at this time. There is no single specific reason why the talks ended; it was, rather, an overall assessment based on months of conversations.
Q: Will TBE consider future opportunities for consolidation or partnerships?
A: Our decision to end formal talks with Temple Tikvah does not preclude continued collaboration with Temple Tikvah or others. TBE leadership is committed to doing what is in the best interest of the TBE membership; and if a consolidation or partnership presents a good opportunity, it will be pursued.
Q: Where will TBE hold regular services after the sale?
A: As we do now, and as was the case before construction of the downstairs sanctuary, we will hold services in the historic Rudin Chapel. The Rudin Chapel has been, is, and will remain the heart of our physical space.
Q: What about High Holidays services?
A: This year, we will hold High Holidays services in the downstairs Main Sanctuary, as the sale of the building will not have closed by that time.
For the following years, we are already looking at an array of options for the High Holidays. That may include use of the downstairs Main Sanctuary, expansion of the Rudin Chapel, “double-shift services” in the Rudin Chapel, or choosing an off-site location.
What we do know is that the power of our community depends upon the people who make up the community, not the physical space we use for gathering. As Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, z”l, taught, “Judaism is a religion of holy people, not holy places.” Our worship space may look different going forward, but it will always be filled with the joy of our community.
Q: What will happen to our art and Judaica collection, including the Nevelson wall?
A: The art and Judaica around the temple building are important to our community. A dedicated group of TBE leaders are already beginning to think about how those pieces can best fit into the future space of TBE, which pieces in our collection will not be able to come with us, and how their deaccession may best benefit TBE into the future.
We are blessed to have an incredible collection of art and Judaica that have been donated throughout many decades. The use, size, display-ability, value, and need of a given piece are some of the factors we are thinking about as we consider which works may be a part of the temple collection going forward.
Given the Nevelson Wall’s large size and specific installation, there will not be an appropriate place for it in our space moving forward. We are working with the Nevelson Foundation and Sotheby’s Auction House to find the best home for this renowned piece of art, while also assuring that TBE is able to receive a fair price for it.
Q: What about Yahrzeit plaques and other memorial/dedication signs?
A: The dedication plaques around the building tell the story of our temple and its champions. Their names will be preserved in a meaningful way. Similarly, the names of our loved ones who are no longer with us will be appropriately memorialized. As we reduce our footprint, we will find the most meaningful ways to capture our history.
We are seeking guidance from architects, other synagogues, and companies that create synagogue dedication and memorial art to understand options and best practices, so we can choose what is right for TBE. At this time, we expect that all memorial plaques in the Rudin Chapel, as well as the Tree of Life recognition wall outside the Rudin Chapel, will continue to be displayed as they have been for many years to come.
Q: What about the Temple Beth–El sign on the street corner and at the entrance of the building?
A: As part of our lease-back terms, we are requesting continued prominent signage in and around the building. Of course, the new owner will want to have its own signage, too. We expect that both the new building owner and TBE will find a fitting way to honor both of our organizations.
Q: In broad strokes, what does the future of Temple Beth-El look like?
A: We are moving forward with optimism, vision, and strong purpose – carrying the history and legacy of those who have been a part of our Jewish community throughout the last 97 years. We are both grateful for what has been and hopeful for what will be. Today, we are confident that we are setting the course for a secure future for our congregation.
Reflecting on all that makes up TBE, from Shabbat to the High Holidays, from study to social action to our love for Israel, there is something here for everyone. With the addition of the Miriam & Moses Center for Pluralistic Adult Jewish Learning and the Susan Stumer Cultural Arts Fund, we are now the leader in Jewish adult education and Jewish cultural arts programming on Long Island! The new 2025–2026 Horizons course guide will be shared soon and reveals an incredibly robust calendar of programs and events.
As we look forward, it is our people, our congregation, that makes us special – we are a community, a family, and we will always be here for each other.
We look forward to tomorrow and the next 100 years of Temple Beth-El of Great Neck. Be with us!
It is the responsibility of every organization to plan for their future. As the needs of our community changes, so does the need for our synagogue to change. With a history approaching 100 years old, Temple Beth-El and Great Neck look very different today than they did 10 years ago, 30 years ago, 50 years ago… As is our Jewish tradition to read Torah and find meaning in each generation, so it is the role of our leadership, as representatives of our holy congregation, to “read our Torah today” and assure Temple Beth-El offers meaning and value to our Jewish community now and for the future.
In the late 1920s and early 1930s, there were changing demographics, changing needs and an opportunity to plan for the future, this was the birth of Temple Beth-El. Today there are new and different changing demographics, needs and opportunities for our community and it is in the best interest of the temple to take time, right now, to see where we’ve been, where we are and to purposefully make decisions about our future. Leadership have been looking carefully at all the trends – membership enrollment, our budget, our space needs and the greater community.
Our first priority is to be the best congregation we can be for membership today and assure a strong future. Opportunities to relook our space and right size our footprint are being considered. Opportunities for synergies and partnerships with other Jewish organizations are being considered. The visioning committee believes that Great Neck is where TBE is meant to be. It is important to continue to offer and provide a voice for pluralistic Judaism on the North Shore.
In order to maintain our synagogue and provide the services we offer, we rely on our dues – which only covers a portion of our expenses. As TBE has always done, we never want finances to impede one’s membership and connection to TBE. If an individual or family is facing any financial hardships, we will work with you. We see a bright future ahead and we invite you to be a part of the next chapter of our Jewish community’s history. This is why we are committed to embarking on this visioning process. We are ensuring that TBE and the guiding principles and values of pluralistic Judaism that sustain us will be here for our members today, tomorrow and for years to come.
We are fortunate to have Rabbi Brian Stoller as our senior rabbi. We are actually engaged in this process in part because of Rabbi Stoller’s leadership and vision. Our leadership are engaged and invested in the work of helping our community understand its options and opportunities.
Our Board of Trustees, with guidance from our Visioning Committee, are all dedicated temple members who have the singular interest in doing what is best for our congregation. They reflect and represent the diverse membership. Trustees are all elected by the membership of the congregation. As part of the process, all members will have the opportunity to share their voices and be a part of the vision of the future of Temple Beth-El of Great Neck.
Temple Beth-El serves to enrich the lives of those living on the greater North Shore. As change has always been a constant, we will continue to be mission driven, adapting and responding to the needs and wants of today’s pluralistic Jewish community. Our educational, religious, social action, social/recreational and other offerings will seek to nourish our members at every age and stage in life.
Temple Beth-El serves to enrich the lives of those living on the greater North Shore. As change has always been a constant, we will continue to be mission driven, adapting and responding to the needs and wants of today’s pluralistic Jewish community. Our educational, religious, social action, social/recreational and other offerings will seek to nourish our members at every age and stage in life.
My wife, Leslie, and I have been members of TBE since 1975. I was honored to serve as president from 2001 until 2006 and led the temple through the reconstruction and restoration after the disastrous 2001 fire; Leslie was president from 2009 to 2013 and led us out of a major financial crisis. We have both been devoted leaders for decades and currently serve on the Executive Committee. I am happy to be helping to secure our future.
I was president of TBE for seven years – holding one of the lengthiest presidencies in the temple’s 96-year history. After a long career in the corporate world, I am now the director of development at Congregation Rodeph Sholom in NYC. I am a lifelong New Yorker, have been married to Sharon for more than 30 years and am the proud father to two adult sons, Matthew and David.
My wife, Marcie, and I have been members of TBE since 2011. We were attracted by and continue to be connected to the communal, educational and spiritual values of TBE’s clergy and its members. I have served on TBE’s board and Executive Committee and was a past president of my former congregation. I am actively involved with a number of nonprofit entities and understand that change, while sometimes challenging, helps us flourish.
For the past 70 years, my family has been part of the TBE community. My decades of spiritual connection to our temple, as well as my leadership as a past treasurer and president of TBE, enables me to bring a unique perspective as we create a vision for TBE’s future. I know you and respect you, and I am excited to be part of creating a vision for TBE’s future. I bring a unique perspective – honoring our past, reaffirming our goals as a preeminent Reform congregation and envisioning our future as we confront current challenges and opportunities.
I joined Temple Beth-El just eight to nine years ago. I had belonged to synagogues my whole life but never really felt engaged until I came here. In this short time, I became a Friday night regular, went through three or four years of Torah Study, became an adult Bat Mitzvah and have had three grandchildren attend the Early Childhood Education Center. I am an active volunteer with Times of Need/Chesed and am currently involved in the visioning group. Two years ago, I traveled down South with Rabbi Tara Feldman and other TBE congregants on a Civil Rights tour, which was inspirational and transformational. In many ways, Temple Beth-El has changed my life.
I have been a member of TBE for more than 22 years. From the moment my family and I joined, Temple Beth-El of Great Neck quickly became our home. We sent our children to the ECEC and religious school; we have had many life-cycle events at TBE; and we have been involved in so many fulfilling ways. I have served on and chaired numerous committees, am currently the executive VP and will become the next Temple Beth-El of Great Neck president. I am committed to our synagogue, our members and to the principles of Reform Judaism that guide us. I am honored to be a part of our visioning committee as we work to envision our future.
I’m a full-time mom and doctor, and part-time dedicated vice president of Temple Beth-El. I love Temple Beth-El for its Reform Jewish spiritual connection and, most importantly, for the amazing friendships and connections with temple members and clergy that I have made in my 10+ years of membership. To this end, I primarily help with temple membership, engagement and organizing many social and fundraising events for TBE.
A lifelong Great Neck resident, my wife, Debbie, and I have been enthusiastic members of TBE for more than 20 years. Our three children were educated and became B’nei Mitzvah at TBE. I am grateful for the opportunity to support TBE and give back to the congregation.
Melissa and I joined Temple Beth-El more than 20 years ago when our oldest daughter started in TBE’s Early Childhood Education Center. We considered joining other temples, but the energy and inviting atmosphere for young families drew us to Beth-El. I have served in numerous leadership roles at TBE and will be completing my term as president in May. By day, I am a trial-law attorney, in practice for nearly 30 years. Melissa and I have three daughters.
I joined Temple Beth-El in July 2022 as the fifth senior rabbi since its founding in 1928. Originally from Houston, Texas, I joined Temple Beth-El after completing a five-year tenure as senior rabbi of Temple Israel in Omaha, Nebraska. My wife, Karen; our daughter, Lindsay; son, Zachary; and I are thrilled to be an integral part of the Temple Beth-El family.
I joined Temple Beth-El as executive director in August 2015. I am a lifelong Jewish communal professional. Prior to Temple Beth-El, I helped lead the Sid Jacobson JCC in East Hills/Roslyn for 15 years, last serving as assistant executive director. My wife, Dana, and I have been married for 25 years and take great pride and joy in our children, Gregory and Layna.
John Lund is a dynamic entrepreneur with a passion for fostering growth and innovation. As the Co-founder of Coach.Win with partner Rob Simons, John has devoted himself to creating an environment that empowers leading business coaches, helping them connect and thrive. With a personal mission to “Create Conversation, Inspire Growth,” John has established an impressive track record in strategy sales planning.
John’s entrepreneurial journey began with a 19-year tenure as the CEO of OFFWIRE Inc., where he led the company to remarkable heights. Under his guidance, OFFWIRE was twice recognized as one of Omaha’s fastest-growing businesses and appeared three times on the INC 5000 fastest growing companies list.
John is actively involved with the Entrepreneurs Organization (EO), a global network that supports over 15,000 members in 140+ chapters worldwide. He has held numerous leadership roles within the organization, including Chapter President, Area Director, Regional Director, Global Strategic Summit Director, and Global Chapter Development Chairman.
John Lund’s passion for entrepreneurship and commitment to helping others succeed has made him a force to be reckoned with in the business world. His dedication to fostering growth and collaboration through Coach.Win is a testament to his unwavering belief in the power of conversation and inspiration.
For more information, visit his website.
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5 Old Mill Road, Great Neck, NY 11023
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