Did you know that The Sephardic Temple in Cedarhurst New York began with a vision of unity? Over 65 years ago a group of Jews of Turkish and Greek descent founded this warm inclusive traditional Sephardic congregation. It stands as a testament to their heritage.
The story begins in Brooklyn some seventy years ago. Rabbi Arnold B Marans played a vital role. He accepted an invitation to lead a new congregation. These young men wanted to honor Sephardic customs. They also sought a modern perspective of Judaism. Rabbi Marans fit the bill perfectly. He led the congregation with Hebrew and Ladino prayers. He also had an excellent command of English. He understood the community’s needs. He remained their Rabbi until his death in 2020.
Initially this Sephardic community lacked its own building. They called themselves The United Sephardim of Brooklyn. They conducted services across three synagogue buildings. These buildings represented different towns and heritages. The Monastirlis Society served Jews from Monastir. The Kastorialis served those from Kastoria. The Angoralis served Sephardim from Turkey. Each building held different functions. Yet, the members worshipped separately on Shabbat and holidays.
Rabbi Marans realized the importance of unity. He knew a truly united community required worshipping together. The three synagogues needed to come together. As the community grew a transition became necessary. Leaders suggested establishing a new location on Long Island. This would encourage others to move together. The Sephardic Home for the Aged provided valuable information. They had lists indicating approximately 1100 Sephardim lived around the Five Towns on Long Island.
Key families stepped forward to lead the transition. The Rousso Hazan Zacharia and Elias families helped create a future for the Sephardic tradition in Cedarhurst. In February 1962 Irving Rousso and Albert J Cohen filed for incorporation. They chose the name The Sephardic Temple. The name Kahal Kadosh Emeth Ve’Shalom reflected their desire for unity. Emeth means truth. Shalom indicates peace. These words came from the names of the Monastirlis and Kastorialis synagogues.
Albert J Cohen and Ike Elias searched for a suitable location. They found a plot on Branch Boulevard in Cedarhurst. The groundbreaking took place in June 1962. The location posed challenges. The land was marshland. Motts Creek had to be pushed back. To ensure stability 435 piles were driven deep into the ground. The Temple was built eight feet above sea level. This decision proved wise during Hurricane Sandy. Unlike surrounding buildings The Sephardic Temple remained dry.
Architect Bert Bassock designed the building to manifest Jewishness. He drew inspiration from Byzantine Empire architecture. Traditional Sephardic plans guided the design. High circular walls and serpentine contours defined the structure. No windows faced the outside. Religious artifacts beautified the edifice.
The Sanctuary required a unique design. Fifteen-foot walls supported an exceptional dome. The dome resembled a mitre. Six arches supported the structure. The arches joined at the top without screws or nails. This design imparts a sense of uplift.
The seating arrangement also reflected Sephardic tradition. Pews surrounded the Sanctuary in a U shape. This left the Tebah centered. An elevated women’s section faced inward. The space created a sense of solemnity.
The Heikhal is a focal point. Emanuel Milstein designed it. The design featured twelve round pieces of glass. These pieces evoked the breastplate of the high priest. Above the Heikhal the Hebrew phrase Kadosh Kadosh Kadosh rises.
The Sephardic Temple stands as a beacon of Sephardic heritage. It embraces past generations. It also welcomes the next. A sentence under the stained glass reads And you shall make for Me a holy place and I will dwell with you. May The Sephardic Temple continue to thrive. May it always be a place of unity.