Manetto Hill Jewish Center Hosts Open House Monday

The community is invited to Monday night's Lag B'Omer celebration at the Manetto Hill Jewish Center, which is promoting two major initiatives.

Tonight's celebration, from 4-6 p.m., includes food, games, a magic show and flower planting, culminates with a camp fire. But it's also an opportunity to learn about the synagogue's new free Hebrew School program, a response to the fiscal realities facing Long Island residents, synagogue leaders said.

"(The synagogue) has been defying the trends in many ways," said Rabbi David Ross Senter, the spiritual leader of MHJC. "In the past three years neighboring synagogues have been forced to consider consolidations and mergers to  address a shrinking constituency. During that same time Manetto Hill Jewish Center has grown welcoming 60 new member units to our synagogue family. "

In an effort to share the unique nature of our community and at the same time stem the high cost of synagogue affiliation MHJC is offering two unique opportunities.

Free Hebrew School– MHJC will not be charging any tuition or registration fees for enrollment in Hebrew School. The only costs will be a book fee used to supply necessary texts and academic supplies. Many families can not afford to pay synagogue dues and tuition simultaneously, Senter said.

Building Fund Eliminated – Significant building fund commitments have often been cited as a barrier to synagogue affiliation. MHJC has eliminated the building fund obligation for all new members. These obligations can be up to $3,000, based on fees charged by neighboring synagogues.

Our leadership understands that these initiatives may not address the fiscal realities facing your family," Senter said. "MHJC is committed to the premise that financial concerns should never be a barrier to synagogue affiliation.

Dues adjustments are available. RabbiSenter said the process is sensitive and confidential. Please contact Rabbi David Senter at 516 935-5454 to discuss your family’s needs.

The Manetto Hill Jewish Center serves the needs of a diverse Jewish community. Interfaith families and Jews by choice are an integral part of our synagogue family. We seek to serve the needs of our membership regardless of their personal religious practice or sexual orientation. Interfaith families are an integral and welcome part of our community. Manetto Hill Jewish Center is affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.