History & Mission

Founded in 1928, Temple Beth-El is the oldest synagogue in Great Neck. Rabbi Jacob Philip Rudin was the spiritual leader for four decades, as our longest serving rabbi. It was under his leadership that the congregation grew and became a prominent Reform synagogue in the U.S. For the next four decades, Rabbi Jerome K. Davidson, a leader in matters of social and communal concern, guided the congregation to national recognition as one of the most innovative and dynamic Reform congregations in America. For more than a decade, Rabbis Meir and Tara Feldman brought a unique blend of compassion, inspiration and social action to their tenure as the first married co-senior rabbis with an extensive recycling program, Jewish yoga, engaged men’s groups and dialogues with diverse faith leaders. The congregation feels blessed to be led by its current spiritual leader, Rabbi Brian Stoller. Temple Beth-El is a member of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ).

Temple Beth-El of Great Neck is a dynamic, inclusive and engaged Reform synagogue. We are guided by our Congregational Shema, “Inspire through purpose. Be known by love.” We are a community rich in history and promise for the future.

Our Mission

We seek to meet the spiritual and educational needs of a diverse Jewish community in a caring, innovative, and democratic Reform synagogue.

Our Guiding Principles

• Our congregation is founded upon God, Torah, and the unity of the people of Israel.
• We are committed to promoting Jewish values through worship, education, mitzvot, social responsibility and a wide range of cultural activities.
• We recognize the diversity of family structures within our community and welcome all families in which at least one member is seeking to affiliate with the Reform Movement.
• We strive to assure the future of the Jewish people, recognizing the special relationship of Jews throughout the world and the unique and essential bond that we share with the State of Israel.
• We seek the highest standards and performance in our lay leadership, clergy and other professional staff and we endeavor to achieve excellence as a leader in the Reform Movement.