Picture this: a beacon of liberal thought. It stands at 41-60 Kissena Boulevard. This is the Free Synagogue of Flushing. It is a testament to freedom and community.
Founded in 1917 the Free Synagogue of Flushing holds a unique place in Queens history. It’s the borough’s oldest Reform synagogue. The Hebrew Women’s Aid Society started it. They embraced the free synagogue movement. Rabbi Stephen Samuel Wise started this movement.
The Free Synagogue of Flushing’s establishment embodies freedom. It includes freedom of the pulpit. It also has freedom in religious philosophy. Seating is free. Men and women have equal participation. Leadership is also equal. Social justice is a core principle. The synagogue welcomes all. Interfaith couples are welcome. Straight and gay individuals are welcome too. Every ethnicity and heritage finds a home here.
Originally, the synagogue met at Odd Fellow’s Hall. Later, they acquired the Mann property in 1921. This included a fifteen-room house. It was considered an example of southern colonial architecture.
As the congregation grew a new sanctuary became necessary. In 1926, the white building was moved. It made room for a larger sanctuary. Architect Maurice Courland designed the new neoclassical building. It features a massive portico. Four Ionic pillars support it. The inscription reads “FOR MINE HOUSE SHALL BE CALLED A HOUSE OF PRAYER FOR ALL PEOPLE”. These words come from Isaiah 56:7.
Inside the Free Synagogue of Flushing a magnificent sanctuary awaits. Dark green pilasters support the walls. An enormous dome rests upon them. Tiffany-style stained glass windows illuminate the space. They were crafted in Czechoslovakia. The windows depict Noah’s Ark. They also show the lions of Judah. Swirls of leaves, vines, and flowers decorate them. These symbolize the Sukkot prayer. The two hands of the Priestly Blessing are also depicted.
The Free Synagogue of Flushing has had many influential rabbis. Rabbi Bernard Cantor served in the early years. He aided oppressed Jews in Eastern Europe. Bandits murdered him in Russia. The synagogue still observes the anniversary of his death. Rabbi Max Meyer led the congregation for 40 years. Rabbi Charles Agin succeeded him. He oversaw expansion and new facilities.
In 2008, Rabbi Michael Weisser joined the Free Synagogue of Flushing. He embraced the synagogue’s commitment to social justice. Rabbi Weisser befriended a Ku Klux Klan leader in Nebraska. The Klansman later converted to Judaism.
The Free Synagogue of Flushing is on the National Register of Historic Places. It received an award for stained glass window restoration. Today the Free Synagogue of Flushing continues its mission. Rabbi Nathan Alfred leads the congregation. Cantor Alan Brava serves as executive director. The synagogue offers youth and adult education programs. It hosts interfaith events. It actively engages in social action. Since 2020, it has run a food drive. It also served as a vaccination site during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Free Synagogue of Flushing remains a house of prayer for all people.