South Shore Jewish Center named Island Park Business of the Year

South Shore Jewish Center is the Island Park Chamber of Commerce’s Business of the Year for 2019.

The Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce honored the businesspeople of the year from 36 local, Nassau County chambers at its 35th annual Legislative Breakfast on Oct. 18. The Jewish center was the only organization to receive the title; the rest were individual professionals and business owners.

“I was surprised,” said Barry Feerst, SSJC co-president. “I don’t know that this usually occurs with a religious organization, but I think it’s because the members of the temple are actively involved in the activities of Island Park and heavily committed to its advancement.”

SSJC was established in Island Park in 1952 and joined the Island Park Chamber of Commerce more than 50 years ago, Feerst said. The temple has become a staple in the community, supporting local businesses and inviting the public to its gatherings.

“[Their leadership] has been very active in the chamber all year long,” said Barbra Rubin-Perry, president of the Island Park Chamber of Commerce, “going to meetings and ribbon cuttings, volunteering on committees and supporting us at events.”

Rabbi Paul Hoffman said that, historically, synagogues always had windows to show that they are a part of the community. Even in Nazi Germany, when congregations feared putting windows on the front of their buildings, they placed windows on the ceiling to maintain their connection with the world.

“If you didn’t have windows and were so enclosed, you weren’t in touch with the community,” Hoffman said. “We never insulate or isolate ourselves.”

SSJC’s annual events include a dinner for Shabbat Across America in March, luncheon on the second day of Rosh Hashana, Thanksgiving interfaith service and Hannukah menorah lighting on the village green.

At its Hannukah celebration this year, members will dedicate a plaque to the late SSJC President Bernard Ross, who donated the village menorah during his time serving the Jewish center.

Since 2016, SSJC has also hosted Shabbat on the Beach in August, where temple and community members gather at Masone Beach’s gazebo for the Friday sunset service.

The program was instituted by Hoffman, who came to SSJC in 2014, according to co-president Lisa Arian, and is intended to “honor the beginning of the Shabbat,” she said adding that, “everybody is welcome.”

Rubin-Perry said that the congregation’s inclusive spirit is part of why the chamber chose them as Business of the Year. She also noted that the Jewish center opens its doors to other organizations, allowing them to use their facilities for their programs.

“They welcome everybody,” she said. “When we look for people to honor, it’s people who do a lot for the community. And they do al that — they invite the entire community to their events, not just congregation members.”

Steve Michelson, SSJC co-vice president, said the honor was “unexpected.”

“We don’t do it for recognition,” he said, “but for our love of the village and support of business. It’s humbling and an honor to be recognized.”

Michelson added that the temple, which has roughly 30 active members who attend services every week, is “vocal in support of our community and businesses.”

“It just felt important as a civic organization and not-for-profit to support the chamber because it helps us all,” he said.

SSJC will be recognized once more as Business of the Year at the Island Park Chamber of Commerce’s 69th Annual Awards Dinner and Dance on Nov. 7 at the Bridgeview Yacht Club.

“It feels good and gratifying,” Feerst said, “and it’s incentive to do as much as possible and more.”