By:Bonnie Riva Ras
That's thanks to Rabbi Simcha Zamir, who became the temple's new spiritual leader on Aug. 1. Dr. Eric Schwartz, a congregation vice president, said, "The congregation is thrilled to have him lead us as we begin the rebirth of Temple Sholom."
Zamir is already implementing exciting new changes. A new board of education has been formed, and the Hebrew School has a new mission statement. The curriculum has been revamped with the help of the Board of Jewish Education. The synagogue is not charging new members Hebrew School tuition for the first three years.
Zamir, who has a background in education, has lofty goals for the school. "I want the kids to start thinking Jewishly -- to know what is moral and right Jewishly," he said. He also wants the students to have a greater understanding of Jewish history. "When they go away to college," he said, "they should understand what is factual and what is not."
Zamir has also started planning adult education programs that will begin after the holidays, including a class for women about women in the Torah and classes on holiday celebrations.
He also plans on beginning a class for interfaith congregational families. He plans to include non-Jewish spouses who choose to raise Jewish children in congregational life.
Zamir already feels welcome at Temple Sholom. "The congregation is very enthusiastic, very helpful and has been volunteering to help me in any way," he said.
Growing up on the South Shore, Zamir attended the Hebrew Institute of Long Island, graduated from Far Rockaway High School, received his undergraduate degree from Queens College and his ordination from Tifereth Yisrael Rabbinical Yeshiva of Jerusalem and Sayville.
He was the director of the Hebrew School of Congregation Tifereth Israel in Glen Cove, affiliated with the South Huntington Jewish Center and a Hebrew School teacher at Midway Jewish Center in Syosset.
Zamir is married to Batya, and they have six children. "Rabbi Zamir is wonderful," said Rabbi Howard Diamond of Congregation Beth David, Zamir's personal friend and mentor. "He and his wife and kids are terrific people."
"He has a lot of energy. He's a charismatic person, and his community will love him," Schwartz said. "He is tremendously enthusiastic and has great visions for the future of Temple Sholom."
