By 1952 the Long Island community of Huntington swelled in population to 126,000 yet had only one Jewish Conservative Congregation. Several members wanted a Reform service and so decided to form a new congregation. A religious organization known as Temple Beth EI was chartered in the autumn of 1952 with 25 members. The congregation's first services celebrated the High Holy Days in September 1952 at the American Legion Hall in Halesite. The Union of Reform Judaism sent Sol Loeb, a rabbinical student, to Huntington on weekends to conduct services and preside over the Temple Beth El religious school. However noise emanating from a local bar was disturbing to the congregants, and they sought a new location.

The Reverend Dr. William Hess, with the approval of the officers and trustees of the 300 year old Presbyterian Old First Church in Huntington invited the infant congregation to share their facilities. From September, 1953, through December, 1955, these two congregations worshipped in harmony, forging a true brotherhood and a mutual respect which remains to this day. Rabbi Zev Bloom led the congregation during this period.

Our Own Building...

The purchase of land on which to build a permanent home was of prime importance. The congregation acquired a plot on Park Avenue, a major artery in Huntington since colonial times. When the building was completed, the members themselves did the painting, put down the floors of the sanctuary and vestibule and made the curtains. The building was dedicated on December 8, 1955.

The congregation, now grown to almost 100 families, was joined by community leaders for the dedication ceremony. At this time the future enrichment of the spiritual and civic life of the community was predicted. Rabbi Zev Bloom carried the Torah scroll into the Temple and placed it in the Ark. He lit the Ner Tamid or Eternal Light, accompanied by Cantor Lewis Appleton (who had replaced the congregation's first cantor, William Zimmer). The vaulted, cypress wood sanctuary made an impressive setting as the congregants dedicated themselves as well as the Temple building to the keeping of the precepts of Abraham, Isaiah and Jeremiah.

In August 1956, the Congregation prepared to celebrate the first High Holy Day services in its newly erected building. In doing so, Rabbi Maurice H. Schatz was selected to be its leader. His keen intellect and warm heart contributed to the spirit of enlightenment and high standards which remains to this day at our Temple.

High standards are particularly evident in our educational programs. The quality of the faculty and choice of curriculum resulted in a growing membership and it was soon apparent that the Temple structure would have to be expanded. The first addition was the school wing, completed in 1960. In 1966, the rest of the building as we know it today was completed. The sanctuary was embellished with handmade, hand-wired chandeliers and sconces. Carved teak paneling, imported from India surrounds the stained glass window.

Amidst the hues of the stained glass that is the backdrop for our Ark, one can find the first 10 letters of the Hebrew alphabet, standing for the Ten Commandments. By this time, Cantor Joseph Boardman shared the pulpit with Rabbi Schatz. He remained with the Temple until 1967, when Cantor Lewis Appleton returned. Cantor Appleton retired in 1976, at which time Cantor Leon Perlman took the pulpit spending 13 dedicated years as Temple Beth El's Cantor. Since the departure of Cantor Perlman, in 1989, Temple Beth El has been blessed with Cantor Sandra Sherry-Pilatsky.

Since 1971 our Temple has been led by Senior Rabbi Barton Shallat. In guiding the congregation, Rabbi Shallat has strengthened our sense of responsibility to pass our Judaic heritage on to the next generation in an inclusive thoughtful manner. Rabbi Shallat likes to say, "we accept people where they are and help them become the Jews they wish to be." The most important vehicle for this is our religious school, which runs from Kindergarten through High School. The curriculum is augmented with special programs, events and trips.

Temple Beth El was the first synagogue in Suffolk County to offer a class for children with special needs. Understanding the cultural as well as religious aspects of Judaism and its place in a rapidly changing world is a primary goal. Programs are also offered for adults, including a Scholar in Residence and varied programs and special speakers. Cantor Sherry-Pilatsky encourages greater participation by members in all aspects of the service. Assisted by our senior and junior choirs and other instrumentalists, Cantor Sherry-Pilatsky promulgates an awareness and appreciation of the musical heritage of Judaism.

Today Temple Beth El has a membership of nearly 500 families. Our members represent diverse backgrounds, ages and interests. Social and recreational programs have been developed to address the needs of all. We support an active Youth Group, a group for retirees and a Chai Club, to name a few. The Sisterhood and Men's Club organize a variety of activities, including fund raising events. The proceeds from which reach beyond our Temple to the greater community.

Our continued growth during these many years could not have been accomplished without the committed devotion of those special members whose caring efforts, time and financial support contributed and continue to contribute to our strength and survival.