Community Synagogue Congregants Can Go Home Again!

Congregants and clergy from Community Synagogue of Rye and Rye Presbyterian Church will march from the church on Milton Road to the synagogue on Forest Avenue on Sunday, September 30 at 11 a.m. as the Jewish congregation returns to its newly opened sanctuary 14 months after beginning a $6.3 million renovation project. The procession will mark the return of the Torahs, the sacred scrolls of Judaism, to the ark in CSR’s sanctuary. Joining the procession will be Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, as well as many elected dignitaries.

“We are so grateful to the Presbyterian Church for making us feel so welcome during our renovation—and thrilled to be going home,” said Sue Zeitlin, president of the synagogue’s Board of Trustees. “This was truly an example of cooperation between two houses of worship, a mitzvah that represents how people can work together in this world.”

In June of 2017, Community Synagogue members Rye made a mini-exodus to set up camp at Rye Presbyterian Church while their synagogue was renovated. Synagogue congregants needed a place to worship, and Rye Presbyterian Church opened its doors. In an interfaith agreement between the two houses, congregants of CSR used the Rye Presbyterian church chapel for most of its Friday night and Saturday morning services during the past 14 months. B’nei mitzvah and funerals were held at neighboring synagogues Knesses Tifereth Israel (KTI) in Port Chester or Congregation Emanu-El of Rye. What about JCC Harrison?

“CSR and the Rye Presbyterian Church have long had a special partnership,” says Senior Rabbi Daniel Gropper. Several years back, members from the two houses of worship travelled to Israel together.

“We have always found fellowship and common ground with the Presbyterian Church as we both see ourselves to be forces for good in the community,” Gropper added.

“It was a joy to welcome Community Synagogue during this construction period, and to share our faith home with their congregation,” said Dr. John Miller, co-pastor of Rye Presbyterian Church.

When the Torah scrolls arrived at Rye Presbyterian in June of 2017, church members poured out of the building to welcome their Jewish guests in a spiritual and fun-filled event. Now the walk will be reversed, and both communities are encouraged to participate.

Food, singing and dancing will mark the community’s return. A mezuzah will be hung at the entrance of the synagogue. The Hebrew word mezuzah literally means “doorpost,” and according to tradition, it is a reminder to those who occupy the facility of the connection between God and their Jewish heritage.

The New York City based award-winning architectural firm Rogers Partners, designed the space. “We wanted to create a modern, dynamic, and engaging environment that matches the spirit of this community,” Zeitlin said. “We think it will help seal our reputation as one of the leading facilities in the area.”

The renovation includes a new sanctuary planned to capture more natural light, a renovated social hall, and a welcoming common area. “These changes will usher in a sense of renewal and rebirth,” Zeitlin said of the 70-year-old congregation. To complete this project, the synagogue received over 90% in pledges toward this ambitious goal. “Such fundraising is an unprecedented achievement in today’s watchful economy,” Zeitlin added.

For more information about the event, please call the synagogue office at 914-967-6262.

About Community Synagogue of Rye. CSR is a caring and safe Jewish community whose mission is “Inspired by Jewish teachings and tradition, and seeks to be a center for spiritual transformation; to foster the creation of sacred relationships; and to give people the tools and resources to be God’s partner in healing the world.” Currently, Community Synagogue of Rye has 430 member units and a dynamic Early Childhood Center and Center for Jewish Learning (K through 12th grade). In addition, it offers many social, educational, cultural and spiritual opportunities to its congregants and to the wider community.