By ANTHONY BOTTAN
The membership of Temple Sinai of Long Island, in Lawrence, could potentially move to Temple Emanu-El of Lynbrook, according to Temple Sinai Rabbi Paula Winnig, who confirmed that her synagogue, at 131 Washington Ave. in Lawrence, is currently on the market.
"That was the path the congregation chose," Winnig said. "This is the action of the members of the congregation. It's up to the congregation to choose its course of action, and my job as a rabbi is to support my congregation."
Even if the merger takes place, members of Temple Sinai may also opt to join other local synagogues, like Temple Israel of Lawrence, which hosted a meet-and-greet last Friday for potential new members from Temple Sinai. The two synagogues were a single congregation before they split in 1951.
Gregg Weinstock, president of Temple Emanu-El, said that changing demographics and economics were factors in the declining memberships of both temples, but he added that he thinks the merger could actually lead to a stronger sense of Judaism in the Jewish community as a whole. "We think it's going to result in a stronger Reform temple in southwest Nassau County, and both temples have long histories in the area," Weinstock said. "It's a desire of both the temples to do this to hopefully strengthen Reform Judaism in general, and we want to build a stronger temple in Lynbrook."
Weinstock added that his temple has the capacity to take in the 150 to 175 members of Temple Sinai. A letter of intent was signed and approved by both temples' boards of directors, he explained, and the only remaining hurdle is the pending court approval of the merger. "... [B]oth temples realized that they have a lot of similarities in culture and religious issues across the board, and it was decided that both temples would be a good fit to come together," he said.
Sandy Alexander, a member of Temple Emanu-El for 33 years who also sits on its board, said that she is looking forward to the infusion of new people to the temple. "It's an exciting time, and I personally can't wait to see the many new faces and personalities that will enter our doors," Alexander said. "I'm also looking forward to making new friends."
Weinstock noted that a larger congregation would not only help strengthen Temple Emanu-El's educational and social programs, it would also bring in more revenue for the temple, which would help with expenses. The two temples tried to craft a merger agreement that was attractive to Temple Sinai members, he said. The profits from the sale of Temple Sinai would be distributed in several ways, and current members of Temple Sinai would be able to join Temple Emanu-El without paying an additional fee.
Temple Israel, which hopes to add more members to its congregation as well, plans to offer a free first year of membership, along with a dedicated and progressive religious school - with an anticipated Hewlett/East Rockaway annex - to those who join the temple. Temple Israel President Garrett Gray said he believes that members of Temple Sinai may want to return to their roots. "Well, we used to be the same congregation, and we are extremely close in distance," Gray said.
Weinstock said that members of Temple Sinai are free to choose any temple they want to join, and that there is not a power struggle among other temples to attract its members. "We wish them the best," Weinstock said of Temple Israel. "We have no contact with them in the process. Whether every member comes to us, that's up to them, and it's impossible to predict with any certainty."
Weinstock noted that a committee has been put together to determine a new name for the temple once the Temple Emanu-El-Temple Sinai merger is final.
Paul Shapiro and Mary Malloy contributed to this story. Comments about it? ABottan@
liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 246.
