Congregation Shir Shalom Dedicates New Synagogue

from Congregation Shir Shalom

Congregation Shir Shalom, the consolidation of Montebello Jewish Center and Nanuet Hebrew Center held a wonderful and well-attended dedication of their new synagogue in New City, NY on Sunday, November 28, 2021.

Coinciding with the first night of Hanukkah, the dedication began with a "meet and mingle" and included live music featuring the Shir Shalom "Temple Dudes" band, along with Israeli dancing.

Following the meet and mingle, the dedication included speeches by the congregation's Rabbi Paul Kurland and Co-Presidents, Gail Kaiser and Jeff Schragenheim, and joyous singing and dancing with the Torahs. The event concluded with Hanukkah candle lighting, and light refreshments including "Sufganiyot" (jelly doughnuts) which are were provided by the synagogue's Sisterhood and Men's Club.

The "Temple Dudes" act as the congregation's unofficial "house band". Members of the group are all affiliated with Shir Shalom and include the congregation's Cantor Barry Kanarek (on keyboard, bass guitar and vocals), Dr. Ken Blumberg (on guitar, vocals and harmonica), Rose Pollack (on flute and supporting vocals) and Bruce Pollack (on drums and percussion).

Congregation Shir Shalom is a multi-generational and forward-thinking egalitarian Conservative Jewish center which officially came into being on July 1, 2021. As a congregation, Shir Shalom strives to be welcoming to all, regardless of financial or personal situation. This includes the unaffiliated, intermarried families, those with special needs, and the LGBTIQA+ community.

For more information on Congregation Shir Shalom, please contact the synagogue's office at 411 South Little Tor Road, New City, NY 10901; (845) 708-9181 / office@ShirShalomRockland.org