General Info

Over the years, the congregation has been served by distinguished Rabbis: Rabbi David Rubin (1932-1942,), Rabbi Elias Blackowitz (1942-1946), Rabbi Irving Miller (1946-1963), Rabbi Saul Teplitz (1963-1991). We are honored to have Rabbi Dr. Bruce Ginsburg currently serving our congregation, whose teaching and leadership have contributed to a vibrant and growing synagogue membership. A Traditional Conservative Synagogue. Congregation Sons of Israel holds a unique place in Jewish life in Woodmere and the Five Towns area. From its inception, the congregation has strived to embrace the diverse spiritual and social needs of its community. Congregation Sons of Israel reaches out to families, couples, singles, young and old who think traditional Jewish values have retained their relevance to modern life and believe that secular concerns can coexist comfortably with religious ideals. Our synagogue is dedicated to enriching the religious, educational, and social experience of its members. Rabbi Bruce Ginsburg assumed the pulpit at Congregation Sons of Israel in 1991. A product of Boston University, New York's Jewish Theological Seminary, and Jerusalem's Hebrew University, he holds a doctorate in Hebrew literature. Known for his decades-old activism on behalf of Israel, Soviet Jewry, and intra/interfaith cooperation, he has served both as president of the Long Island Board of Rabbis and as president of the Union for Traditional Judaism. His essays have appeared in Newsday, the Christian Science Monitor, the Jerusalem Report, and other publications. Cantor Asher Hillel Burstein was born in New Jersey and raised in The Bronx, New York City. He was educated at the Mesivta Tifereth Jerusalem, Hunter College and Yeshiva University. In his teens, Asher began writing original music and Hebrew poetry. His love for both genres eventually led to his decision to become a cantor. In addition to his role as "chazan", Asher is also a recording artist, and is set to release his third studio album very soon. In 2006, he published "Niv Ziv", his first booklet of original Hebrew and Yiddish poems and essays. Harriet Gefen began her association with Congregation Sons of Israel in 1987 as Educational Director of the synagogue and assumed the additional position of Executive Director in 1997. A graduate of Columbia University, Barnard College, Harriet holds a Bachelors degree in Psychology and Education, NYS and NYC teachers licenses as well as a permanent principal's license from the Board of Jewish Education. She earned a Masters of Education degree in Mental Health and School Counseling from Queens College and is a fellow of the Jewish Educators Assembly. She serves on the executive board of the Conservative Principals Council. In her capacity as Educational/Executive Director, she has introduced a number of innovative and creative programs including Mechina Hebrew School classes for 4-7 year olds, Mommy and Me and Summer camp Nursery programs, Ganoni - Hebrew immersion Pre-school program for 18 month olds - 4 year olds, Shalhevet - Religious School program for Israeli Hebrew speaking children and Kesher Hebrew High School. Harriet was the founder of the community supported Sulam-LI The Religious School for Jewish Children with Special Needs which is housed at Cong. Sons of Israel. Contact Harriet Gefen at: Hagefencsoi@aol.com Phone 516 374-0655