A congregational meeting was held June 8th at 7:30 PM in person and on Zoom, with 36 people in attendance. The meeting began with a brief review of actions taken by the board to ensure continuity of our congregation.

• L’Dor V’Dor / OLNJC: As of now, the board/congregation has chosen to merge with Temple Israel of Great Neck; however, a significant number of their congregants have expressed that they would prefer to join us at LSJC. We are working with a representative to facilitate this which will provide an influx of congregants as well as funds from the proceeds of their sale of their building.

• Temple Gates of Prayer in Flushing: There are some financial aspects they are working on internally before anything can proceed at this point.

• Lake Success Chabad: This appears to be a fallback option ; however several attendees expressed they would not remain with LSJC.

• Temple Tikvah: As of now, they intend to rent space at Temple Beth Shalom in Roslyn.

Future of LSJC: There was unanimous agreement that we need a full-time rabbi to lead us into the future. Rabbi/Hazzan Brian Shamash was presented as our current candidate, demonstrating the energy, vision, and commitment needed to help transform LSJC into a viable, vibrant community. Meeting participants strongly supported pursuing Rabbi Shamash, who has expressed his willingness to serve as both rabbi and chazzan. He is able to begin serving on congregation on July 1, 2026.

What members can do: Before we offer the Rabbi this full-time position, we need to survey our membership. Members are asked to commit to participating in (re)building our community. with a three year commitment in money, in time and in energy.

• All members who have not paid their annual dues in full are asked to pay now.

• Assume leadership roles by helping to organize events like the Shabbat Across America program, or lectures on various current topics.

• Indicate commitment to revive our community by emailing the office and letting us know you intend to remain a member for 3 years and to share your thoughts

An in-person congregational meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 8, 2026 at 7:30pm.

An in person board member meeting is scheduled on Monday, June 1, 2026 at 7:30pm

A Board meeting is planned for Monday 05/11/26 in the evening. Future Rabbinical options are to be discussed in order to decide best slate to be submitted for Congregational vote and acceptance.

Eliot Wolf, president of LSJC, has announced that leadership and board members are in advanced negotiations on several fronts:

• Ongoing negotiations with Temple Tikvah regarding subleasing options.

• Discussions with Rabbi Shamash regarding his possible future leadership of our congregation.

• Other possibilities will be posted on this page as they become firmer.