METNY USCJ

04/14/2026

It's time to register! https://tinyurl.com/2026HolocaustRemembrance
Please register, share with family and friends, and join us for a Holocaust Remembrance program on April 19th featuring Rabbi Menachem Creditor, respected Rabbi, author and dynamic educator. His reflections on the Holocaust serve as a powerful lesson for facing today’s issues & challenges. Testimony by Survivor Egon Salmon z”l. Join us in person at Congregation Shaaray Shalom, 711 Dogwood Avenue, West Hempstead, NY or by zoom. Registration required for either. Link to register for the program: https://tinyurl.com/2026HolocaustRemembrance

04/13/2026

12/17/2025

Public displays of Jewish worship have become hunting grounds.

12/08/2025

IN LOVING MEMORY OF ROBERT LEVENTHAL
From Andy Schaer, USCJ President:

We learned of the sudden passing of our friend and colleague, Bob Leventhal, zikhrono livrakhah.

Bob came to USCJ nearly two decades ago with big ideas — ideas about how synagogues could truly thrive, and how clergy, professionals, and volunteers could lead together with purpose and collaboration. He guided hundreds of congregations in their planning and relationships, and he pioneered our Sulam leadership programs, which continue to shape our communities to this day.

Bob was a man of deep wisdom and real menschlikhkeit. His legacy lives on through so many of us who had the privilege to learn from him, to work with him, and to be inspired by him. No one was more dedicated to helping our synagogues flourish. His sudden loss leaves a profound hole in our hearts.

Bob had a big voice, a big heart, and a presence that lifted up everyone around him. Thousands of us were shaped by his teaching, his mentorship, and his friendship.

We send our love and comfort to his wife, Carolyn, and to his entire family.
May his name always be a blessing.

Messages of condolence can be sent to Carolyn at [email protected].

11/06/2025

For the Jewish people, the Congress affirmed the call for a Zionism based on liberal values of democracy, pluralism, and accountability. Among the many resolutions, it asserted the need for a State Commission of Inquiry regarding October 7, the need to draft Haredim into the IDF, and better access and conditions for the Egalitarian Kotel proposed by MERCAZ Olami, our movement’s Zionist political arm. And it rejected funds for settlement in Gaza and theocratic designs for Temple Mount sovereignty.

Read Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal's full reflection here: https://uscj.org/post-congress-reflections-from-jerusalem/

11/06/2025

We give thanks that Captain Omer Neutra, z”l, has finally been returned home to Israel. For two long years, our communities—like so many around the world—have held Omer and all the hostages close to our hearts, praying for their safety and for this day. His life and leadership within our Conservative / Masorti Movement nurtured his deep love for Israel and the Jewish people.

His parents, Orna and Ronen Neutra, and brother Daniel Neutra, are in Israel preparing to bury him. Omer's burial will take place at 10:30 AM in Israel, which is 3:30 AM New York time (EST). The service will be recorded.

Livestream of the service: https://livespace.co.il/live/ElILg5JW2H

Nothing can ease the pain for Orna and Ronen Neutra and their family. Yet we pray that laying Omer to rest and honoring his life among his people brings a measure of comfort and closure. Omer’s connection to Israel was enriched through USY, Camp Ramah, Schechter School of Long Island and Midway Jewish Center—communities that instilled in him the values that guided his life. We send comfort and appreciation to the many friends from across our Movement who have stood by the Neutra family with strength and love throughout this ordeal.

We continue to pray for the return of all remaining hostages and for a day when all who live in the region may know security, dignity, and peace.

נֵר ה' נִשְׁמַת אָדָם – Ner Adonai nishmat adam.
“The soul of a person is God’s light in the world.”

May Omer’s memory forever bring blessing and inspiration.

08/19/2025

02/25/2025

Melville Jewish Center - Melville JC

09/27/2024

Sulam for Imagineers (SFI) is a new USCJ learning community for synagogues interested in dreaming up new approaches to transform their congregation into an inventive and creative environment.